A two-year starter at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Goldsmith began his coaching career with stints at Catawba College and Methodist University prior to his time at Young Harris.

Jay proved to be a standout player for Lenoir-Rhyne, posting 68 goals, 52 ground balls, and 20 assists. He was named to the South Atlantic Conference All-Conference 2nd Team in 2014 and was an honorable mention in 2015. He also put together a 7-goal performance against Florida Southern in 2015, a program record at the time. Prior to his time at Lenoir-Rhyne, he played for Lynchburg College, an NCAA Division III program. There, he recorded 15 goals and 10 assists in 29 games.

After being drafted by the Charlotte Hounds in 2016, Goldsmith began his coaching career at Methodist University in 2017. That year, the Monarchs achieved a 15-3 record and won the SEILC Conference Tournament Championship while averaging 14.2 goals per game. He then took an assistant coach position for the Catawba Indians in 2018, then returned to his alma mater for the same position in 2019. Goldsmith then received his first taste of a head coaching role in 2020 at Young Harris College. The Mountain Lions held a 3-3 record when their season came to an early end due to COVID-19.

Goldsmith graduated with a degree in health and physical education in 2015.