The University of Denver men’s soccer program has named 2024 Pioneer captain Ben Smith its Director of Soccer Operations, Jack and Sheila Weinberg Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jamie Franks announced on September 2.
"We’re thrilled to have Ben Smith join the coaching staff,” Franks said. “As a former player and captain he already understands the culture, standards and values that make this program special. He elevated those standards for the program and what it means to be a Pio. Ben's passion, work ethic and commitment to excellence will be a tremendous asset to our staff and our student-athletes."
Smith captained Franks’ Pioneers in his final three seasons with the Crimson and Gold, guiding the Pioneers back to the College Cup for the first time since 2016 last season. The Centennial, Colorado, product was a two-time Summit League All-First Team pick and was rated the No. 33 player in the country in last season’s Top Drawer Soccer Midseason Top-100 list. Following Denver’s run back to the final weekend on the college soccer calendar, Smith was named to the NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team last December.
“I’ve known this staff for a long time and they’re the ones who inspired me to get into coaching,” Smith said. “I’m extremely grateful that they’ve given me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”
Smith played in 74 career matches across five season for Denver, starting 71 in the Pioneers’ defensive midfield. The Real Colorado product’s 71 starts ties for 11th in Denver’s DI history. Smith posted 19 career points on six goals and seven assists. The newest member of Denver’s staff had four career game-winning goals, including the opener and game-winner in the Pioneers 3-0 win over Gardner Webb in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
