SPARTANBURG, S.C.  – After a nationwide search for the next head coach of the Converse University men's and women's tennis teams, James Smith has been tabbed to lead the Valkyries. Smith joins the Valkyries with a plethora of experience coaching at both the Division I and Division III levels.

"I am thrilled to have James join CU Athletics as our tennis coach," stated Converse University Director of Athletics Jenn Bell. "With his experience and extensive knowledge of tennis, I have no doubt that he will continue to grow our programs and take us to the next level. I look forward to seeing him work with our incredible group of young men and women."

Smith joins the Valkyries from Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Dayton, Ohio. There he instructed private and group tennis lessons for players of all ages.

"I'm very excited to be in this role and for the fall season to get underway soon. The team, athletic department, and support staff here at Converse are excellent to work with on a daily basis," stated Smith about his hiring for the position. "Our program will aim to continue building strong relationships at the university and in the greater Spartanburg/Greenville community.  There's excitement building for this group, mainly due to the quality of the returning & new student athletes.  Our first objective will be to have a great fall term in the classroom, on the court, and in everything else we do."

Prior to his time in Dayton, Smith spent his most recent college coaching stint at Division I Elon as an assistant coach for the men's program. He provided practice and match coaching, helped coordinate recruiting and team organization, scheduled matches and transportation. While at Elon, Smith served as adjunct faculty teaching a tennis course to university students. 

Before arriving at Elon, Smith was the assistant men's and women's tennis coach at Division III DeSales University with many of the same responsibilities he continued at Elon. Smith has also made coaching stints at a pair of  Division I institutions: Virginia Tech and the University of Connecticut.

Smith spent his collegiate career at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts where he was a four-year standout for the Bison. He posted a career 33-14 record in singles play including a 13-3 conference record. His doubles record proved even more impressive, going 62-18, 17-2 in conference play. Smith graduated from Nichols tied for third in program history in doubles wins and fifth in doubles winning percentage, .775.

Smith's first act as head coach was adding four-year Converse tennis standout Tonya Glogowski-Watson, the Valkyries' all-time leader in overall, singles and doubles victories, to his staff as a graduate assistant.

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