January 7, 2026
Asbury Welcomes Smith as Associate Head Men's Soccer Coach 
WILMORE, Ky. — The Asbury University Athletics Department is pleased to announce the addition of Stanton Smith as associate head coach of the men's soccer program.
A native of Paris, Ky., Smith spent last season as an assistant coach with the Asbury women's soccer team under head coach Zach Welch. During the 2025 season, Smith helped guide the Eagles to an 11-9-4 record, a Collegiate Conference of the South runner-up finish, and a berth in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Tournament.
Prior to joining Asbury, Smith gained valuable coaching experience at several respected programs, including FC Barcelona Academy, Transylvania University, Georgetown College, and the University of Kentucky.
Smith joined the University of Kentucky in 2022 as Director of Soccer Operations and was promoted to Assistant Coach ahead of the 2023 season. During the 2022 campaign, he helped lead the Wildcats to an impressive 15-1-5 record, earning the program the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, a Sun Belt Conference regular-season championship, and the Sun Belt Conference Tournament title. Following the season, the coaching staff was honored as the United Soccer Coaches Regional Staff of the Year.
"We're very fortunate to have Stanton join the Men's Soccer Staff as the associate head coach," said men's soccer head coach
Ben Andrews. "He brings quality coaching experience and a wealth of knowledge about the game and how to teach it. It was important for me to find a coach who fit our family. When his experience and knowledge are paired with his ability to relate and interact with those around him, I expect our guys will be well prepared and cared for."
Stanton holds his UEFA C License, USSF C License, as well as his Master's in High Performance Football from the MBP School of Coaches in Barcelona.
Smith currently resides in Nicholasville, Ky., with his wife, Emily and their three kids.
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