Jacksonville, Fla. — Trinity College of Jacksonville Athletics has announced the hiring of Andrew Smith as the new head coach of the Eagles men's soccer program. The announcement was made this week by Athletic Director John D. Jones, who formally welcomed Smith to the Eagle family at a press conference on Friday afternoon.   

Smith replaces Coach Noom Romyanond, who resigned last month after three successful seasons leading the Trinity men's soccer program. Coach Romyanond is deeply loved within the Trinity community, and his presence on the Eagles' sideline will be missed. The program experienced meaningful growth during his tenure, and the college expresses its sincere gratitude for his leadership and service.

Coach Andrew Smith brings winning experience and expertise as a high school and college player and coach in addition to coaching high school juniors and seniors in Jacksonville's newest professional soccer academy.

Smith began coaching at just 17 years old and has spent more than two decades developing athletes at multiple levels. His coaching experience includes stops at Lakeside Christian High School (Clearwater, Fla.), Amelia Island Soccer Club, Swiss Point Middle School, Florida Elite Soccer Academy, and University Christian High School in Jacksonville. He currently serves with both University Christian and Sporting Jax Soccer Academy, where he has been involved in player development, technical training, and recruitment.

In addition to his coaching roles, Smith has served in leadership capacities such as Soccer Coaching Director at Swiss Point Middle School, director of coaching with Sporting Jax, and organizer of regional soccer camps and technical training programs. He has also specialized in player recruitment and placement, helping student-athletes pursue opportunities at the next level.

[Coach Andrew Smith introduces himself to TCJ.] 

A graduate of Clearwater Christian College, Smith played collegiately as a left winger during the 1999–2000 seasons. Known for his speed and ability to score in open space, he lettered in soccer before dedicating the final years of his college career to preparing for ministry and coaching.

Smith credits a formative experience training and competing with U21 professional soccer academies in Brazil as a turning point in his life and career. That experience led him to pursue coaching as a way to combine soccer with a calling to serve others through ministry.

Throughout his career, Smith has demonstrated a consistent track record of success both as a player and a coach. In high school he was an All-Conference performer at John Marshall High School in West Virginia and served as team captain for both his school and club teams. More recently, he was named Coach of the Year at Florida Elite Soccer Academy (2022–2023) and led the University Christian boys soccer program through a remarkable turnaround.

Under Smith's leadership, University Christian advanced from one of Florida's struggling programs to one of the state's most competitive teams. The program captured its first district championship, won its first two regional playoff games, and reached its first regional final in school history during the 2026 season. The team also recorded the school's first-ever Top-10 finish in the state while setting new program records for goals and shutouts.

Smith expressed enthusiasm about joining the Trinity community and using soccer as a platform for both competition and spiritual formation.

"It's an opportunity to use soccer as a platform to teach young athletes how to glorify God through the game," Smith said. "I believe Trinity also has the ability to win another national championship. Jacksonville has tremendous local talent, and I look forward to recruiting players who can build on the strong foundation already in place."

Smith plans to emphasize a disciplined, high-energy style of play built on conditioning, teamwork, and attacking soccer.

"We will play a fast, wide-open style that creates opportunities to score goals and makes the game exciting for our fans," he said. "The backbone of our team will be a fearless, organized defense that pressures the ball and quickly turns defense into offense."

Faith will also remain central to the program's identity. Smith points to Colossians 3:23 as a guiding verse for his coaching philosophy: "Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men" (RSV).

"There is no replacement for hard work," Smith said. "We want to compete with excellence while honoring God, respecting our opponents, and representing Trinity well."

Athletic Director John D. Jones expressed confidence that Smith's leadership will strengthen the program both competitively and spiritually.

"At Trinity College, our goal is not simply to build competitive teams but to shape young people who love Christ and live for His glory. Throughout our conversations with Coach Smith, it became clear that he views soccer as a platform for discipleship. His heart for mentoring players, building Christ-centered culture, and pursuing excellence in competition aligns perfectly with who we are as an institution. We are grateful to welcome a coach who understands that our ultimate mission is to develop champions for Christ."

Smith and his wife, Corie, have been married for 22 years and are the proud parents of five children: Gracie (20), Jackson (17), Preston (14), Coplen (12), and Calvin (9). The Smith family resides in the Jacksonville area and looks forward to becoming an active part of the Trinity College of Jacksonville community.

Trinity College of Jacksonville Athletics proudly welcomes Andrew Smith to the Eagles community as the next head coach of the men's soccer program.