Dennis Smith was named head coach of the Elon men’s tennis program in September 2026 after spending four seasons on the coaching staff at NC State.
Smith helped the Wolfpack establish itself among the nation’s top programs during his tenure in Raleigh. NC State made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2025.
The Wolfpack produced one of the best seasons in program history in 2024-25, winning 22 matches and setting a program record with 12 conference victories. NC State earned a berth in the ITA National Team Indoor Championships and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 while producing two All-Americans.
Smith also played a significant role in NC State’s doubles success. During the 2023-24 season, he served as the lead coach for Joe Wayand and Rafa Izquierdo Luque, guiding the pairing to the ITA Regional Championship in the fall. Wayand and Izquierdo Luque later earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Doubles Championship and advanced to the quarterfinals to secure All-America honors.
Smith joined the NC State staff as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2022-23 season before moving into a full-time assistant coaching role in 2023-24.
A Raleigh native, Smith graduated from NC State in 2020 with a degree in business administration. He and his wife, Emma, reside in the area.
