Prior to Colorado Mesa, Smith served as head lacrosse coach at Christchurch School in Virginia. He led the Seahorses to a 70-29 record, including two state titles, during his five seasons as head coach. Smith was also named the state coach of the year twice.

Smith has experience at the collegiate level serving as an assistant coach for one year at both the University of Illinois and Hampden-Sydney College. Other coaching experience included time with the Chicago Machine of Major League Lacrosse and the Charlottesville Albermarle Youth Lacrosse Club.

Smith began his collegiate career at Johns Hopkins before transferring to Hampton-Sydney College where he earned all-conference accolades twice. He graduated with a degree in history from Hampton-Sydney College.