Converse University

James Smith took over as the head coach of the Converse University men's and women's tennis teams in August 2024 and has already seen success with both teams after just one year at the helm.

Awards and Recognitions at Converse:
2025 ITA Southeast Region Men's Coach of the Year
1 First Team All-Conference Selection
1 Third Team All-Conference Selection
1 Top-Two Seed in Conference Carolinas Championships
1 Championship Match Appearance
5 CSC Academic All-District Selections

The 2024-25 season saw the Converse men's team post a 13-6 record and earn the second seed in the Conference Carolinas Championship. The Valkyries won nine consecutive matches under Smith's leadership. The Converse women's tennis team had a 10-10 record and earned the eight seed in the conference tournament. 

"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 joined 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. He helped Elon reach the CAA Championship match and DeSales reach the MAC-Freedom semifinals. Smith has also made coaching stints at a pair of  Division I institutions: Virginia Tech and the University of Connecticut. In Blacksburg, Smith coached both nationally ranked singles and doubles players and aided the Hokies in their first-round defeat of Clemson in the ACC tournament.

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. The Bisons won four CCC championships with Smith as a member of the team and he was a two-year team captain. Smith graduated from Nichols tied for third in program history in doubles wins and fifth in doubles winning percentage, .775.