James Thomas Smith was named assistant coach of the men's tennis program in September 2022, as announced by head coach Michael Leonard.
Smith came to Elon after a year as a volunteer assistant coach for the Virginia Tech women’s team. Prior to that, he served as the assistant men's coach at UConn, the volunteer assistant for the men's and women's teams at Trinity College, the assistant men's coach at Glendale College and the assistant men's and women's coach at DeSales University.
“We are excited about James joining the staff and working with our players,” Leonard said. “His personality and knowledge will no doubt be a good fit.”
A native of Ridgewood, N.J., Smith has coached competitive juniors at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head Island, S.C. He’s also gained tennis technology experience working with PlaySight Interactive and SwingVision/Mangolytics Inc. — both official partners of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
A 2017 graduate of Division III Nichols College, Smith helped lead the Bison to four Commonwealth Coast Conference Championships and three NCAA Tournament victories. He played primarily at the No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles spots, finishing his career with a 33-14 singles record and a 62-18 doubles record. His 62 doubles wins are tied for the fourth most in program history. A two-year captain, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with concentrations in management, sport management and human resource management.
Smith began his coaching career at age 14, teaching at tennis clubs in California, Michigan and New Jersey. As a player, he led his Ridgewood (N.J.) High School team to the state semifinals in 2011, posting a 21-2 doubles record. From 2012-2013, he was the No. 1 singles and doubles player and captain at The Frederick Gunn School in Washington, Conn., where he also competed on the varsity soccer and basketball teams.
Smith is certified through the Professional Tennis Registry in Hilton Head Island.
