University of Northwestern Athletics

Smith took over as Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Director of Athletics at Northwestern College in 1991. In addition to guiding the Eagles men’s basketball program to a new level, his influence and notorious Christ-centered leadership ultimately transformed the future of Northwestern athletics. Under Joe’s nine-year reign as head coach, the Eagles posted a 157-112 record, the most career wins by any coach (at that time) and four of the top 10 single season records. His 1999-1998 team collected the most single-season wins (25) of all time. Under Coach Smith, Northwestern earned six Conference Championships, two NCCAA National Tournament Appearances, and two NAIA All-Americans. His lasting impact was felt beyond accolades and accomplishments. As Director of Athletics, Joe worked relentlessly to draft and implement a mission statement that would clarify the department’s primary purpose – to use athletics as a spiritual growth tool. He worked to find coaches that embraced that mission, hosted small group studies at his home, left Bibles in the visiting locker rooms and established a higher precedent for the level Northwestern would compete at. Today, Joe continues to devote his life to discipling men to grow in Christ, serving families well and making a difference for Christ.