Taylor volleyball coach Brittany Smith announced on Monday that she will resign from her position and take over as head coach at NCAA Division III Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill.
"I feel very much at peace about this and very excited for knowing that this is God's will," Smith said. "I also feel very sad to be leaving [Taylor] because this is what I've poured myself into for eight years as a coach and four years as a player."
Smith, a 2000 graduate of TU, played four years with the Trojans earning NAIA First-Team All American honors in 1998 and Second-Team honors in 1999. She came back to Taylor to take the head coaching job in 2005. In her eight years as head coach, Smith has taken the Trojans to three NAIA tournaments and five Crossroads League championship appearances.
After posting a 240-94 record in the past eight years, Smith departs as the Trojans' second winningest coach in school history and third in career winning percentage with .719.
Her husband and former sports information director at Taylor, Eric Smith, recently took a job in the Chicago area. Being near to her husband and bringing their family back to a normal routine was a big part in Smith's decision.
"I love the whole person development of mind, body and spirit through volleyball," added Smith. "For the Lord to provide that type of opportunity in a place where our family can be together is just humbling. We're excited to see what God has in store for us there."
In just an eight-year stint, Smith compiled numerous accolades. Along with six straight 30-win seasons, a 53-game conference win streak and three Crossroads League Coach of the Year awards, Smith leaves the Taylor volleyball program ranked first in the entire NAIA with 1,131 all-time victories.
