Central Arkansas Bears women’s soccer head coach Derek Nichols has announced the addition of Peter Smith as the team’s new assistant coach.
Nichols expressed gratitude to Hadley, who served as an interim assistant during the past season. “I like to start by thanking Hadley for stepping in during the season last minute. It was great to have her around to help out in all areas being a former player of ours having just been through the program in recent years,” Nichols said. “I appreciate her time she spent with us, but certainly understand her reasoning to step away from the game to be home for her young family, she will be missed.”
Smith brings extensive coaching experience and a long-standing connection with both Nichols and Arkansas soccer. He played at Lyon College on its first men’s soccer team, where he met Nichols, then an assistant coach at Lyon from 2002-2004. Since completing his college playing career, Smith has coached youth teams across Arkansas including Little Rock Rising, Arkansas Rush, Little Rock Rangers and Searcy Rangers. His coaching background also includes work at the David Beckham Academy in Los Angeles as well as stints at Lyon College and Central Baptist College.
Nichols commented on Smith’s appointment: “I am excited to be adding Peter to our staff. He is someone I have known for a long time having coached him at Lyon College, and stayed in touch with him over the years during his time at the college and club level,” Nichols added. “Peter has a great love and passion for the game, is a great soccer mind, and has the ability to relate well to his players. He is someone that is eager to help elevate this program to another level and I look forward to him getting started with us!”
