After two years away from Oxford, former Rebel standout goalkeeper Melinda Smith returned home to Ole Miss in May to become an assistant coach. Smith serves as the team's keepers coach in addition to helping with on-the-field coaching, assisting in recruiting and handling many of the team's administrative responsibilities. "We were very fortunate to find someone who, for us, was the perfect candidate," said Rebel head coach Steve Holeman. "Melinda was one of the top goalkeepers in the SEC and has now developed into an outstanding goalkeeper coach. "She has the motivation, energy and knowledge that will help take this program to the next level. We are excited to have Melinda back at Ole Miss and know that she will be a huge asset to our program." A native of Tacoma, Wash., Smith played four years for Ole Miss, 1998-2001, including three seasons as the starter in goal. She helped the Rebels achieve consecutive SEC Western Division titles and was voted team captain and team MVP by her peers as a senior. Smith finished her career as the school's all-time leader in goalkeeper wins (29), goals-against average (1.53) and shutouts (14.7) and still holds the career saves record (232). Following her collegiate playing days, Smith remained at Ole Miss as a student assistant in 2002 and 2003. Those two years also saw Smith serve on the U-18 staff for the FC Royals club team in her native Tacoma, and play semi-pro for the Oklahoma Outrage of the U.S. Women's Soccer League. Smith spent the 2004 campaign as an assistant coach at Columbus State (Ga.), where she worked under CSU head coach and former Ole Miss assistant Jay Entlich. Her primary responsibility with the Cougars was with the goalkeepers while assisting with the defense. She also coached the U-12 girls squad for the Columbus RedStar soccer program and was a goalkeeper coach for the Georgia ODP '88 team. "I'm thrilled to be back at my alma mater," Smith said. "I had a great experience coaching at Columbus State, and hopefully I have a lot to offer Ole Miss. I'm excited about being a part of this staff and growing as a coach alongside them." Smith graduated from Ole Miss in 2003 with a B.A. in Art and has completed coursework towards a Masters in Public Administration from Columbus State. She has earned a USSF "C" license and an NSCAA goalkeeping license for levels I and II. |
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