Central Methodist alum Fred Smith was named the university’s new head men’s and women’s golf coach. The announcement was made by CMU Director of Athletics, Jeff Sherman. 

Smith is a member of the Hairston Hall of Fame and formerly coached baseball for the Eagles.

“What an amazing day for CMU Athletics,” stated Sherman. “I couldn’t be more excited and pleased to welcome Coach Fred Smith back to our Central Community. Many will be familiar with his student-athlete success at Central, along with the accolades he has received throughout his career as an educator and high school and collegiate baseball coach. More importantly, I haven’t met a man of higher character than Fred. He has an amazing ability to connect with student athletes, helping them succeed and reach their full potential. He is among the finest educators I have known and will be an amazing asset to our student-athletes as we continue to grow and develop this program. Our Central community is excited about his return to campus.”

Smith rejoins the Eagles to lead the golf program after coaching in the high school ranks at Boonville, where he also served as Assistant Superintendent since 2018.

Smith previously coached Central baseball from 2007 to 2013, where he led the Eagles to 120 wins over seven years. In his final season leading the program, Central finished the year with a 25-13 record and a 19-7 mark in the Heart of America. Smith was named the Heart Coach of the Year, and the Eagles swept both the Heart Regular Season and Conference Tournament titles. It marked the first regular-season title and the second-ever tournament title for the program in school history.

He capped his final year as head coach by leading the Eagles to their first-ever NAIA National Tournament appearance in Hattisburg, Mississippi.

In his seven years leading the Eagles, he coached 21 Academic All-Americans, two NAIA Honorable Mention All-Americans, and sent three players on to professional baseball.

Additionally, Smith’s programs were among the best in the Champions of Character initiative. In 2012, his squad was honored as the NAIA Champions of Character Baseball team of the Year. Smith received the CMU Champions of Character Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2012 and was also recognized as the Heart Conference Champion of Character Baseball Coach of the Year.

Smith was inducted into the Hairston Hall of Fame as a player (82-85) in 2013. He was selected unanimously for First Team All-Conference recognition three times and was a two-time All-District selection. In 1984, he received All-Region honors and was named to the NAIA All-American Team, becoming the first baseball player in Central’s history to earn the distinction of being named an All-American.

In the fall of 1983, Smith was invited to try out for the first United States Olympic Baseball team. After his playing career at Central, he turned down two offers to play at the professional level with the New York Yankees and the Texas Rangers.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree from Central, Smith began his coaching career as an assistant baseball coach and residence hall director. Smith then taught and coached in public schools, where he coached several district champions, making two appearances in the state final four.

“It’s an honor to return to Central Methodist as this is where my career first began in 1986,” Smith said. “Central Methodist holds a special place in our hearts, as there are so many fond memories and wonderful lasting relationships. I look forward to taking the Men’s and Women’s Golf programs on the path that Coach Jeffrey had started.”

Smith officially began his duties at Central on July 1.