ATHENS, W.Va. – With so many new faces around the Carter Center for the 2025-26 school year, the Concord Sports Information Department will be highlighting all full-time employees in a Get to Know series throughout the first few weeks of the new athletic year.
Whether those friendly faces have been in Athens for five days or five decades, you'll know more about everyone in the Concord Athletic Department.
Name: Alex Smith
Position: Head Men's Soccer Coach
College Alma Mater: Union College (Bachelor's, Master's)
Year(s) at Concord: Â 2.5 years
How did you land at Concord?
After spending three years in Maine, I moved to West Virginia to be close to family and to coach at Bluefield University. After an improved season at Bluefield University compared to the previous year, the Concord Men's Soccer position became vacant and I went through the application process.Â
Tell us a little bit about where you're from?
Born and raised in the city of Montego Bay, Jamaica. I lived 15 minutes from the beach my entire life and I didn't learn how to swim. Montego Bay is one of the island's most popular tourist destinations, known for white sand beaches, vibrant and rich cultural heritage.
What's been your most rewarding experience as an athlete or coach?
The most rewarding experiences as a coach has been providing opportunities for student-athletes to better themselves and their families through education and sports. It's fulfilling to watch student-athletes use soccer not just to compete, but to earn degrees and open doors they may have never imagined. Seeing former athletes go on to become nurses, lawyers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, leaders, etc.
Outside of family, who's had the biggest positive influence on your life?
Outside of my family, the biggest positive influence on my life has been my college coach. Watching how he balanced a rich, sustainable winning program while still prioritizing his family made a lasting impression on me. He wasn't just focused on winning games he was committed to developing his players into the best version of themselves with touching life lessons.
What makes Concord such a special place?
Concord is a family-oriented campus that allows you to support student-athletes far beyond the scope of sports. It's a place where you can truly invest in their academic, personal, and professional development. As a coach, I feel genuinely supported along with the goals for my program. That level of trust makes it possible to build something lasting. Concord fosters an environment where you're not just working a job, you're building a legacy.
Favorite vacation spot?
Lexington, Kentucky where family is at.
Go-to junk food?
McDonalds
What advice would you give today's college student that you found the most valuable?
Be intentional with your time and the relationships because it will help define who you become.
What's one bucket list item that you have crossed off and are most proud of?
Water Skiing
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