Former Miami standout Ryan Smith has returned to the RedHawks' track and field program, officially joining the coaching staff this week as Assistant Coach (Throws).
 
Smith, who won the department's Darrell Hedric Award earlier this summer after earning the Phillip Shriver Graduating Champions Medal of Honor last year, finished his career as a Miami student-athlete with an individual title in the discus at the 2023 MAC Outdoor Championships. He was named MAC Men's Most Outstanding Field Performer and First-Team All-MAC this spring.
 
Smith finished in the top 10 of four different individual events at the MAC meet for each of the past three seasons and ranks in the top 10 in program history in all four events. Smith was also recognized as the conference's Field Freshman of the Year in 2019 and qualified for the NCAA East Prelims in the discus in 2022, and served as a team captain with the RedHawks.
 
Smith has previously been honored as Academic All-MAC, a USTFCCCA All-Academic Athlete and a MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete. He owns a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Miami University and completed his Master's in Sports Leadership and Management earlier this year.
 
"I am very blessed and honored to receive this opportunity to coach at my alma mater," said Smith. "My five years as an athlete at Miami was an incredible experience, and I am beyond excited to step into a new role and guide the next generation of Miami throwers."