Concord University Introduces: Get to Know Men's Soccer Coach Alex Smith
The Concord Sports Information Department is launching a "Get to Know" series to introduce full-time employees at the Carter Center for the 2025-26 school year. The series begins with an interview with Alex Smith, the Head Men's Soccer Coach.
Meet Alex Smith: Head Men's Soccer Coach
Alex Smith shares insights into his background, career, and what makes Concord a special place. Smith has been at Concord for 2.5 years. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Union College.
Journey to Concord
Smith explains how he arrived at Concord: "After spending three years in Maine, I moved to West Virginia to be close to family and to coach at Bluefield University. After an improved season at Bluefield University compared to the previous year, the Concord Men’s Soccer position became vacant and I went through the application process."
From Montego Bay to West Virginia
Smith talks about his upbringing: "Born and raised in the city of Montego Bay, Jamaica. I lived 15 minutes from the beach my entire life and I didn’t learn how to swim. Montego Bay is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations, known for white sand beaches, vibrant and rich cultural heritage."
Rewarding Experiences as a Coach
Smith details his most rewarding experiences: "The most rewarding experiences as a coach has been providing opportunities for student-athletes to better themselves and their families through education and sports. It’s fulfilling to watch student-athletes use soccer not just to compete, but to earn degrees and open doors they may have never imagined." He enjoys seeing former athletes become "nurses, lawyers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, leaders, etc."
Influences Beyond Family
Smith cites his college coach as a significant influence: "Outside of my family, the biggest positive influence on my life has been my college coach. Watching how he balanced a rich, sustainable winning program while still prioritizing his family made a lasting impression on me." He admired his coach's commitment "to developing his players into the best version of themselves with touching life lessons."
The Concord Difference
Smith describes what makes Concord special: "Concord is a family-oriented campus that allows you to support student-athletes far beyond the scope of sports. It’s a place where you can truly invest in their academic, personal, and professional development. As a coach, I feel genuinely supported along with the goals for my program." He believes "Concord fosters an environment where you’re not just working a job, you’re building a legacy."
Quick Takes with Coach Smith
- Favorite vacation spot: Lexington, Kentucky where family is at.
- Go-to junk food: McDonalds
- Most valuable advice for college students: "Be intentional with your time and the relationships because it will help define who you become."
- Bucket list item crossed off: Water Skiing
Roughriders Unveil Plaza of Honour Cairn for 2025 Inductees
The Saskatchewan Roughriders unveiled a new Plaza of Honour cairn outside Mosaic Stadium, celebrating the Class of 2025: Chris Best, Alex Smith Sr., and Steve Molnar. The new cairn honors the greats of the Roughriders.
A Monument to Roughrider Legends
The cairn features the names of inductees, with Chris Best noting the significance of being placed near former teammate Darian Durant. The official induction will occur at halftime of Saturday's home game against the Montreal Alouettes. The names of Durant, Shivers, Best, Molnar and Smith Sr. appear on one side of the monument.
Honoring the Class of 2025
Best, an offensive lineman from 2007-2016, was part of two Grey Cup-winning teams. Smith Sr., the longest-serving assistant coach in franchise history, celebrated a title in 2007 and was part of West Division title-winning teams. Molnar, a running back from 1969-1978, played in three Grey Cups and had a standout performance in the 1976 Western Final.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since 1987, the Plaza of Honour has recognized 143 individuals and four teams. The Plaza was established in 1987 as the Roughriders' Hall of Fame. The cairn represents some of the most special moments and people who have been a part of our organization.
Words from the Honorees and the Organization
"It is a privilege and an honour to have spent 16 years with this organization," said Alex Smith Sr.
Jeremy Molnar, Steve's son, said, "What really strikes me is the feeling that Dad had a part in growing this. He was Saskatchewan-born, Saskatchewan raised."
Craig Reynolds, President-CEO, stated the cairn celebrates "this Club’s proud history and the greats that have helped to build this franchise." Reynolds extended heartfelt thanks to P3A Architecture, PCL Construction, and Chief Financial Officer Kent Paul.
A Place for Fans to Reminisce
Past inductees like Roger Aldag and Gene Makowsky attended the unveiling. Steve Mazurak, chair of the Plaza's Selection Committee, said the cairn will be a place "for the entire Rider Nation to come and to share stories."
