CONWAY, Ark. – Head women's soccer coach Derek Nichols has announced the newest addition to the Bear family, adding Peter Smith as his newest assistant coach.
 
"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 has an extensive coaching experience, and perhaps even more valuable, a prior relationship with Nichols and the Arkansas soccer scene from his playing and early coaching days. He played at Lyon College, where he was apart of the inaugural men's soccer team for the Scots. It was there that he met Nichols, who was an assistant at Lyon from 2002-04.
 
Always around the youth soccer scene in Arkansas, Smith has been coaching pretty much since the end of his college career. His stops include Little Rock Rising, Arkansas Rush, Little Rock Rangers and Searcy Rangers. Smith also spent time coaching for the David Beckham Academy in Los Angeles, Lyon College and Central Baptist College.
 
"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!"