A coach who has led multiple women’s volleyball programs to NCAA Tournament appearances is taking over at Lees-McRae.
Lees-McRae announced recently that it hired Mike Smith to be the school’s new men’s volleyball head coach.
“Mike’s extensive coaching experience, proven record of success, and commitment to developing student-athletes make him an outstanding fit for our men’s volleyball program,” athletics director Ed Winters said in a statement. “We are confident that his vision, integrity, and passion for the game will elevate our program and provide an exceptional experience for our student-athletes.”
Smith spent the last five years as the head coach at Mars Hill and compiled a 86-63 record. The coach also in his inaugural season with the Division II school guided the program to the NCAA Tournament.
Along with his time at Mars Hill, Smith was the head coach of the Lincoln Memorial women’s volleyball team for 17 years and was enshrined in the school’s hall of fame.
The Railsplitters under Smith reached the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons. In addition, Smith accumulated 351 career wins at Lincoln Memorial and simultaneously served as the school’s associate athletic director for the final nine years of his tenure.
Lees-McRae finished last season in third place in the ConfCarolinas and won its first postseason match since 2013. Among the starters slated to return for the Bobcats next season includes outside attacker Davide Nicolini who was named the 2026 ConfCarolinas Freshman of the Year.