Keith Smith - Men's Volleyball Coach - Grand Canyon University Athletics

Keith Smith

Title:
Assistant Coach
Email:
keith.smith@gcu.edu
Phone:
602-639-7523

Keith Smith enters his fourth season as the Grand Canyon assistant coach in 2022, after being hired in June 2018.

In his three seasons as the assistant coach, Smith has helped lead the Lopes to a 36-34 record with 11 wins over top-15 opponents. He's also assisted in bringing GCU it's highest ranking of all-time at No. 6 on March 1, 2021 and the programs first wins against against a No. 1 ranked team in BYU on Feb. 25.

Smith is no stranger to GCU. Etched in the record books as GCU's all-time leader in assists, the former Lopes setter returns to the Valley of the Sun for his second stint on the coaching staff. Smith played for GCU from 2011 to 2014 before serving as a volunteer assistant coach during the 2016 season.

During his time with the program, Smith amassed 4,484 assists. In addition to ranking first in assists in the GCU record book, Smith's 1,294 assists in 2013 rank eighth in NCAA history during the 25-point scoring era.

Since leaving Phoenix, Smith has built his coaching resume. Prior to GCU, he served as the assistant coach of the Providence College women's volleyball team for the 2017 season. Smith had an instant impact, helping the Friars post a winning record (17-16) for the first time since 2007. While a part of the staff, the Friars had their best start in program history with 11 straight wins.

Before Providence, Smith served as a volunteer assistant at McKendree with the men's and women's volleyball teams. As part of the Bearcats' staff, Smith worked with setters and made game plans by analyzing game film. In matches, he would help analyze and adjust game plans based off opponent's tendencies.

Smith's playing career came to an end in 2015 after playing for the Orion Top Volley Volleyball Club in Doetinchem, The Netherlands. As setter, Smith helped the team to top-four finishes in the regular season, playoffs and the national club tournament. With Smith's help, the team returned to the CEV Challenge Cup during the 2015-16 season after missing out during the 2014-15 season.