Jonathan Smith was named the Villa Vikings next Men's Basketball Head Coach.  He takes over a Vikings program that went 22-8 overall and finished runner-up in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Championship.
 
"It's an exciting time to be a Villa Viking and I am incredibly humbled to be leading this program," said Smith.  "Throughout the course of my playing and coaching career, I've had the opportunity to learn and understand what our student-athletes need to not only be successful on the court, but in the classroom and community."
 
Smith has spent time coaching in the Division II ranks and at summer coaching clinics throughout the country.  A former student-athlete, Smith played college basketball at Medaille University.  He finished his career as the Mavericks' all-time leading rebounder and 8th all-time in scoring.  Smith, who led the Mavericks to the NCAA Division III Tournament his freshman year, is also 5th all-time in field goals, 7th all-time in games played, and earned All-Conference honors competing in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. 
 
Click to read the full press release - Villa Men's Basketball Hires Jonathan Smith as Men's Basketball Head Coach (Coming Soon!).

"My coaching philosophy centers on developing the whole student-athlete by prioritizing discipline, accountability, and personal growth – on and off the hardwood," Smith shared. "I believe in creating an environment where athletes are challenged beyond their potential but also supported in a way that builds confidence, resilience, and leadership. I focus on teaching the habits and mindset that lead to long-term success: showing up consistently, communicating clearly, handling adversity with maturity, and competing with integrity.

Players need to be taught the game while also being given freedom to learn through productive struggle. Success is not linear. There are peaks and valleys - no different than the momentum swings throughout the course of a game. It's about learning, understanding, and moving forward in a positive direction at each opportunity."
Coach Smith also believes strong relationships are the foundation of effective coaching. Heading into his first summer of recruiting and also preparing for his first season on the sideline, he knows all eyes will be on him when the Vikings tip-off.

"It starts with me," he said. "I set the standard, but it's the players who carry it forward every day. The love, the camaraderie, the discipline, the accountability – that's the culture we build together. What we're building here on Pine Ridge Road is bigger than wins and losses. It's the foundation to maintain a standard and build a legacy program from the inside-out."

And, building his program and establishing that culture will require toughness, togetherness, and a relentless will to compete from his coaching staff and players.
"We're coming for the full 40 minutes," he said. "From the opening tip to the final buzzer, we play with tenacity, purpose, and pride. No possessions off, no excuses. Our job is not done until the clock hits zero. We will dictate, not defer. Our opponents will know that from the moment we step onto the court."

Reflecting on earning his first collegiate head coaching job, the moment is not lost on Smith.

"With every opportunity I have had to work," he said. "Fast forward from when I was six years old and learning the game to now, I've been fortunate to continue my basketball journey.  I can now impact the game by leading an incredible program and our student-athletes.

The gym has always been a safe haven for me – it is home. Villa is home."