Mike Smith is stepping down as University Heights Academy boys’ soccer coach after eight seasons. Smith informed YourSportsEdge.com of his decision Tuesday afternoon and has informed the players of his decision.
He said after 20 years of coaching, it was time for a break.
“The program is in great shape. It’s time to focus on family,” Smith said. He also cited a desire to return to a school that offers a state retirement.
Smith was 76-74-19 in eight seasons as head coach. He had previously served as the girls’ head coach at Trigg County before taking the UHA job in 2011. That season, the Blazers went 16-6-1 and won the Second Region title before falling to Henderson County in the second round of the state tournament.
Also in 2011, the Blazers won the All-A region title before falling to Bethlehem at the All-A State Tournament.
After finishing as district runner-up in 2011, the Blazers won 14 games and the district title in 2013. They also won the All-A region title and advanced to the state tournament where they lost to Somerset.
Over his eight seasons, the Blazers were 6-7 in the district tournament and 3-4 in region tournament games.
In 2018, the Blazers were 12-6-1 and fell to Hopkinsville 5-0 in the district championship. They dropped their region tournament opener to Trigg County. They did win the All-A Classic region title before losing to Murray 2-1 on penalty kicks in the All-A sectional.
The Blazers graduate six seniors but return a solid nucleus of younger players that saw success at the middle school and junior varsity level.
