Craig Smith is in his second season as a volunteer assistant coach with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs men’s basketball program, bringing with him a unique combination of coaching experience and executive leadership. After spending 25 years as a C-level executive leading large publicly traded organizations, Smith has returned to the sidelines to share his passion for the game and mentor the next generation of student-athletes.
A native of Colorado Springs, Smith’s coaching journey began at Palmer High School, where he helped guide the program as an assistant for five seasons after winning a state championship there as a player in 1993. He has also coached at the middle school and elementary levels, including at St. Mary’s Academy, and has volunteered at clinics across the state with organizations such as Gold Crown and Hillside Connection.
In addition to his work at UCCS, Smith serves as a board member for Hillside Connection, a nonprofit that uses basketball to create pathways and opportunities for youth in Southeast Colorado Springs. He is also a board member with the Positive Coaching Alliance, further extending his impact in promoting leadership, character, and life skills through sport.
With deep roots in the Colorado basketball community and a professional background defined by leadership at the highest levels, Smith brings both expertise and perspective to the Mountain Lions program, reinforcing its culture of growth on and off the court.
