Ward Adds Noah Smith to Soccer Staff

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Noah Smith has been hired as an assistant coach for the University of Iowa women’s soccer program, head coach Dean Ward announced Monday. Smith joins the Hawkeyes after spending the last two seasons at Xavier as an assistant coach working with the goalkeepers.

“I’m incredibly honored to join the Iowa women’s soccer program and be part of a program with a proven culture of winning and excellence,” said Smith. “What stood out immediately was the genuine support surrounding this team — from administration to the community. On a personal level, this opportunity brings me back to what feels like home, being closer to my family and joining a program that operates with a strong sense of connection and care. I’m excited to get to work, build meaningful relationships and help elevate Iowa soccer to new levels while continuing to uphold the standard of excellence that already defines this program.”

Last season, Xavier won 16 matches — tied for the second-most in a single season in program history — on its way to capturing the BIG EAST Tournament Championship and advancing to the NCAA Round of 32. Goalkeeper Maria Galley earned All-BIG EAST Third Team honors after posting a 1.10 goals-against average with 51 saves. The Musketeers recorded eight shutouts in 2025, and the coaching staff was recognized as the United Soccer Coaches East Region Staff of the Year.

In his first season with Xavier, the Musketeers won 15 matches. During the 2024 campaign, Xavier allowed just 18 goals while posting 10 shutouts. Galley started all 21 matches, finishing with the second-most victories in a single season in program history. She totaled 51 saves and nine shutouts, giving her a school-record 32 career shutouts. Galley earned All-BIG EAST Second Team honors.

“I am thrilled to welcome Noah Smith to our program,” said Ward. “Noah is an elite goalkeeper coach with a proven ability to develop players at a high level. His eye for evaluating talent and ability to build genuine relationships as a recruiter and coach will have an immediate impact on the future of Iowa soccer. I’m excited for the impact he will have on our goalkeepers, our team and the continued growth of our program.”

Prior to Xavier, Smith served as a graduate assistant coach at Valparaiso, working with the goalkeepers. During his time there, the Beacons won a Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship and MVC Tournament championship and made a NCAA Tournament appearance. In addition to his work with goalkeepers, Smith assisted with recruiting, scouting and analytics.

In his first season at Valparaiso in 2022, the coaching staff was named MVC Coaching Staff of the Year after going 7-1-2 in conference play and winning the regular-season title. Goalkeeper Nikki Coryell was named MVC Goalkeeper of the Year.

While attending Iowa State, Smith served as a student assistant for the Cyclones and as an assistant coach at Johnston High School.

Smith earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in 2022, double majoring in finance and supply chain management. He earned a master’s degree in international economics and finance from Valparaiso in May 2024.