"Get to Know the Marauders" is a feature that gives fans a more in-depth look at the coaches and staff of Millersville Athletics. Brian Smith, Millersville's women's volleyball head coach, is a 1987 graduate of Millersville and returned to the University as assistant coach in 2008. He became the program's head coach in 2010 and has since won more matches than any other coach in program history. Most recently, in 2019, he coached the team to the second NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and a program record 26 wins. Smith also served in the United States Marine Corps.
What is the best thing about being a Marauder? "The best thing about being a Marauder is working with a group of professionals who can about the student athletes and are very competitive."
The Smiths on a family vacation
What is your favorite coaching moment? "So many good coaching moments but the top one recently was beating Shippensburg in the NCAA Tournament."
Favorite memory as an athlete or fan? "One of my favorite memories was beating Lock Haven at home in my third season as head coach."
Who is your favorite professional athlete? "I don't have a favorite professional athlete. Many of the talented ones have character flaws. I admire any gifted athlete that is humble and unselfish."
What is the most amazing on-court moment from your coaching career? "Taking a group of high school JV players, many new to the sport and having a 15-0 season with them."
Who inspired you to coach? "I don't have a coach that inspired me to become a coach. I was inspired by a young group of 15-year-old athletes that were looking for leadership and a coach that would give them as good an effort as they were willing to put into their training and development."
Coach Smith lists the beach as a
favorite place away from sports.
Who is the funniest player you've coached? "I can't think of a funniest player. Perhaps Jesse Miller because she never understood any of my sarcasm. I miss seeing that confused look."
What is your favorite bus ride activity? "Playing Yahtzee on my iPad or reviewing stats and game footage."
What do you do in your time away from the sport? "I love going to the beach or working in my yard."
Three movies you could watch anytime? "Troy," "Patton," and surprisingly "The Notebook." How's that for polar opposites?
What is on your workout or car trip playlist? "I have many playlists but one I like includes some of these artists: U2, The Cure, The Cranberries, New Order, UB40, INXS, Def Leppard, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, Bon Jovi, Journey, Green Day.
What is your favorite series to binge watch? "I don't binge much, but I watch a few series religiously: "Vikings," "The Black List" and I did binge watch "Game of Thrones."
What would you do if you weren't coaching? "If I wasn't coaching I'd refocus my time on the business I started in 1993: Executive Recruiting."
What is a talent that fans wouldn't know about? "I've been told I sing well. Not sure I believe it."
