The Southeast of Saline Athletic Department has announced the appointment of Tyler Smith as the new head coach for their softball team. Smith brings a wealth of experience from his background as both a player and a coach, with a strong commitment to mentoring student-athletes.
Family and Background
Tyler Smith is married to Shauna Smith, who is an Elementary Technology teacher and the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Southeast of Saline. The couple has two daughters, Blakely, who is in the 3rd grade, and Everly, who is in Kindergarten.
Coaching and Playing Experience
Smith's athletic career began at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he played baseball from 2000 to 2004. He later transferred to Bethany College, completing his collegiate career in 2005 and earning all-KCAC honors.
Since then, Smith has accumulated extensive coaching experience at both the collegiate and high school levels. For the past nine years, he has served as an assistant baseball coach at Salina South High School, where the team made four state tournament appearances during his tenure.
Coaching Philosophy and Goals
Smith views coaching as an opportunity to positively influence young people, much like his own coaches and teachers did for him. “Every single day and every single moment has the possibility of being a young person’s most influential moment,” Smith said. He aims to provide the same platform for success to his student-athletes that he received during his formative years.
Excitement for the New Role
Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the Southeast of Saline softball team. After more than two decades as an assistant coach, he feels prepared to take on the responsibilities of a head coach. He also looks forward to having his daughters involved, both at school and in the stands, as part of this new chapter in his career.
Smith is also a strong advocate for women’s sports, emphasizing the importance of athletics in teaching valuable life skills, particularly for female athletes. He credits his wife, Shauna, for being a significant influence in his life, noting the values and work ethic she developed through her own athletic career.
Expectations for the Team
Smith has set high expectations for the team, reflecting the strong tradition of Southeast of Saline athletics. He believes that the team should be playing their best softball when it matters most, during the postseason in late May. His focus is on ensuring the team is prepared to compete at the highest level when it counts.
Memorable Coaching Moments
Smith shared that his most memorable moments in coaching go beyond the game itself, highlighting the importance of the relationships he has built with his players. Invitations to former players' weddings and meeting their children stand out as some of the most rewarding experiences in his coaching career. For Smith, these relationships underscore the true value of coaching.
