Brendan Smith joined the Furman women’s soccer staff as an assistant coach during the summer of 2023.

Prior to joining the Paladins, Smith served the past two seasons as director of goalkeeping at Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville. In his position with the Cavaliers, he helped guide goalkeeper Aidan Spinks to region player of the year honors and first team all-state accolades while tutoring girls keeper Jasmine Ford, who received all-state honors in each of the last two seasons.

“We are fortunate to have a coach of Brendan’s caliber working with our goalkeepers,” said Paladin head coach Andrew Burr. “He’s a talented coach who has worked with top-level keepers, and he has a good understanding of the Southern Conference from his experience as a player at the College of Charleston.”

Smith played in goal for legendary head coach Ralph Lundy at the College of Charleston from 2006-09. He battled through injuries throughout his collegiate career, but he managed to post victories over nationally-ranked Ohio State, Marshall, and Furman, among others, during his four-year career. During his time with the Cougars, Smith was also mentored by coaches Ralph Polson, Troy Lesesne, and Keith Wiggans. Polson went on to serve as the head coach at Wofford, Lesesne is currently the manager of New York Red Bulls, and Wiggans is the current head coach of the College of Charleston program.

A native of Greenville, S.C., Smith began his coaching career at Summerville Soccer Club before joining the staff at CESA in 2010. He held the position of ECNL Goalkeeper Lead at CESA from 2019-21.

Smith is married to Hannah Tate-Smith and the couple have two sons, Jack and Aidan. When not at a soccer field, the family enjoys spending time at Greenville’s parks and traveling.