The University of Washington Huskies have acquired a new baseball head coach, and he has local links.
UW Huskies baseball coach leaves to become an assistant in the SEC.
Eddie Smith, an Olympia native, is joining Montlake after three years as Utah Valley’s coach.
On Tuesday, the University of Washington confirmed Smith as the 25th coach in the Huskies’ baseball program history.
Coach Eddie Smith Joins University of Washington Baseball Program
Athletic Director Pat Chun has officially announced Eddie Smith as the new head baseball coach for the University of Washington (UW). Chun expressed confidence in Smith’s ability to lead the program, stating, “Coach Eddie Smith is the ideal fit for Washington baseball. Coach Smith is a leader, an exceptional coach, and a proven winner. His roots are firmly entrenched in the state of Washington, and he has a full understanding of the history and tradition of the UW.”
Smith’s Recent Success
Smith comes to UW after a transformative tenure at Utah Valley. When he took over in 2021, the team had a dismal 10-47 record. By 2023, Smith had led them to a 34-23 finish and a program-best 18 wins in WAC play.
Smith’s Statement
Expressing his enthusiasm, Smith said, “I could not be more excited to be the head baseball coach at the University of Washington. I want to thank Pat Chun and (UW baseball sport administrator) Jordan Betts for their trust and belief in me to lead these young men. This program offers everything a player could want or need for their development and the opportunity to win championships. It will be an exciting time to build Husky baseball as we enter the Big Ten, and our program will work with a relentless pursuit toward winning championships.”
Coaching Background
Smith, 40, has a well-established coaching career with deep ties to Washington state. From 2014-17, he led the Lower Columbia Community College program in Longview, guiding them to two NWAC championships and earning the National Coach of the Year award in 2015 from the American Baseball Coaches Association.
Playing and Coaching Career
Playing Career: Smith played as an infielder at Notre Dame.
Coaching Career:
Virginia (2007-11) Assistant Coach
Santa Clara (2012) Assistant Coach
Notre Dame (2013) Assistant Coach
Lower Columbia Community College (2014-17) Head Coach
Tulane (2018-19) Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator
LSU (2020-21) Hitting Coach
Utah Valley (2021-23) Head Coach
While at Tulane, Smith also served as the program’s recruiting coordinator, further enhancing his reputation in collegiate baseball.
Transition
Smith replaces former Washington head baseball coach Jason Kelly, who left the Huskies last month to become the pitching coach at Texas A&M.
Coach Eddie Smith’s extensive experience and proven track record make him a promising leader for the future of Washington baseball as they transition into the Big Ten, aiming for championship success.
