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Lower Columbia Head Volleyball Coach Carri Smith Retires After 11 Seasons
Posted: Dec 12, 2023

Lower Columbia Head Volleyball Coach Carri Smith Retires After 11 Seasons

Story by Lower Columbia College Athletic Department

LONGVIEW, WA - Carri Smith has left her mark on Lower Columbia College volleyball. Coaching for 11 seasons, Smith won an NWAC Championship, four West Region titles and led the Devils to a record of 231-142 (62%).
 
Smith has retired as head coach at LCC. "My heart is full of thanks and I cannot adequately relay my gratitude for the opportunity to coach at LCC for the past 11 years", she said.
 
Smith will step down along with her husband Josh who has been right there with her the entire way as an assistant coach and a loving partner.
 
"On the court we have had so many successes and made so many wonderful memories.  Being a part of our players' lives has been the most rewarding thing we have done as coaches here at LCC.  Our "Devil Daughters" mean the world to us and we hope that we have communicated that effectively to all of them."
 
Under Smith, the Red Devils won over 20 games in seven seasons and led the team to the playoffs nine times. The pinnacle was the 2016 NWAC Championship where the team battled back from numerous deficits and then sprung the upset of undefeated Linn Benton team.
 
"This is a bittersweet time for LCC volleyball", said athletic director Kirc Roland.  "I'm happy for Carri to go out as one of the greatest coaches in school history, but I'm quite sad to see her and Josh step away.  They are the epitome of what you look for in a coach. Smart, talented, driven to win and compassionate."
 
The search is on for a new head coach.  "We will use the qualities of Carri in assessing new leadership.  Coach Smith has set the standard", according to Roland.
 
Smith has been given increased duties leading the culinary program at Kelso High School and so she will use her extra time to focus on that.
 
"As we like to say around here, "Once a Devil, Always a Devil" and I plan to continue to support LCC athletics and the campus community", said Smith.
 
"It's been good and we will miss it."  

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