Tracy Smith Announces Resignation From Corban

In her nineteen year collegiate coaching career, Smith has accumulated an overall record of 273-302.

Photo: Corban Athletics

SALEM - Corban head volleyball coach Tracy Smith announced her resignation as head women's volleyball coach Monday following seventeen seasons at the helm of the Warriors.

Smith, along with her family, will be entering the ministry full-time with Athletes in Action (AIA), a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, at the headquarters located in Xenia, Ohio.

Smith will be assisting her husband, Tim, as the sports director over men's and women's volleyball.

The couple will be working with college-aged and professional athletes, handling camps and clinics, as well as coordinating and traveling on the summer short-term international trips.

This coming summer, the women's AIA program will be heading to Europe and East Asia while the men will be traveling to Nigeria. Athletes in Action uses a platform of sports to share the good news of Christ with people around the world.

"Through our own personal college experiences, (both Tim and I) felt called to full-time Christian service," said Smith. "Our time at Corban has been very instrumental in equipping us for the mission field and has not only helped us to prepare to equip athletes, but has opened the doors for opportunities such as this."

Smith's tenure at Western Baptist/Corban began in 1989 when she took over the women's volleyball program following two seasons at Judson Baptist College.

Over the past seventeen seasons, Smith has guided the Warriors to an overall record of 231-277, including a school-record 31-10 showing in 1997.

"(Tim and I) have loved our time at Corban," commented Smith.

"It has truly been a privilege to serve here. The relationships with our co-workers, supporters, and especially our players have been unforgettable. It is hard to put into words the appreciation we have for Corban because we truly believe in the college and its mission. Our time here has been one that we will never forget."

In 1997, Smith guided then-Western Baptist to its lone National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national title, garnishing NCCAA Coach of the Year honors.

Smith led the Warriors to their highest national ranking (13th) during the 1997 season, while ranking in the NAIA top 25 on numerous occasions from 1997-99.

During her time at the helm, Smith guided the Warriors to nine Cascade Collegiate Conference post-season tournaments (including eight straight), four NAIA regional tournaments, and three NCCAA national tournaments.

Smith has coached six NCCAA All-Americans (including two national Players of the Year - Sheila Zervas & Sara Reeves), six NAIA All-Americans, and 28 All-Cascade Collegiate Conference members.

Over the past four seasons, Smith has coached the CCC Libero of the Year award -- Jamie Ruda (2003 & 2004) and Becky Horn (2005 & 2006).

"It is with mixed emotions the Corban community parts with Tracy," said John Nelson, Director of Athletics.

"She is a woman of conviction and passion as evident in her coaching and personality. In this new opportunity, we know she will continue her influence in helping others make a difference in their lives for others. She is a model and example of what she teaches to all those who know her."

Smith has coached over 80 players during her seventeen-year career in the Capitol city, including five former student-athletes that are currently employed by the college.

"We have loved being at Western Baptist/Corban, but are also excited about going to work for Athletes in Action," highlighted Smith.

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