The Calvin University men's soccer team has hired Mason Smith as an assistant coach.

Smith joins the coaching staff after a stellar playing career for the Knights from 2018-22, during which Calvin won five MIAA regular season championships and four MIAA Tournament championships, along with four NCAA III Tournament appearances that included two NCAA III Final Fours and one team that finished as national runners-up.

During his five-year career, Smith was named All-MIAA First Team four times after scoring 19 goals with 22 assists. Along with All-MIAA honors, Smith was also named Third Team All-America by D3soccer.com following the 2022 season.

"So great to have one of our own come home," Calvin head men's soccer coach Ryan Souders said. "Mason's played in some of the biggest games we've been a part of here at Calvin. Add a year of professional playing in Australia along with his understanding of the unique niche that Calvin is institutionally and he's an ideal fit to keep helping us moving in the right direction."

After starting his career playing outside defensive back in 2018 and 2019, Smith moved to the midfield for his final three seasons. He played a total of 93 games for the Knights with 63 starts.

Following his playing career at Calvin, Smith signed a contract to play professionally with Launceston City FC of the Tasmania National Premier League and played there during the 2023 season.

A native of Flint, Michigan, Smith graduated from Calvin in 2022 with a degree in kinesiology/exercise science.