Je'Kel Smith
Kansas City
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven athletic leader with extensive experience in coaching, program development, athletic operations, and student-athlete success. Proven track record of building championship-level programs, managing athletic events, coordinating personnel, and fostering strong relationships with students, families, staff and the community. Adept at aligning athletic programs with district expectations, MSHSAA standards, and student achievement goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Science Teacher | Head Baseball and Softball Coach
Grandview High School
Grandview, MO
07.2024 - Current
- Foster a structured, high performing environment emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and student growth
- Support and collaborate with athletic staff to promote student-athlete success and program alignment
- Utilize data-driven strategies to monitor student-eligibility and academic performance
- Serve as a mentor and role model, reinforcing discipline, leadership, and character development
Director of Cross Country/Track and Field/Adjunct Professor
Benedictine College
Atchison, KS
01.2020 - 08.2023
- Directed all aspects of a collegiate athletic program, including staff leadership, scheduling, travel coordination, and athlete development
- Managed team operations including budgeting, equipment, and compliance with NAIA regulations
- Organized competitions, coordinated logistics, and ensured effective communication with stakeholders
- Led program to 3 consecutive conference cross country championships and two top-15 finishes
- Developed student-athletes academically and athletically, producing over 25 All-Americans and 22 conference champions
- Served in conference leadership roles, including Vice-Chair and Chair for Track & Field, contributing to governance and policy decisions
Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach
Avila University
Kansas City, MO
07.2016 - 10.2019
- Built and revitalized athletic programs through strategic planning, recruitment, and culture development
- Coordinated meet schedules, travel logistics, and athlete eligibility requirements
- Mentored student-athletes to achieve conference championships and national recognition
- Promoted academic success, resulting in team-wide academic honors
Sports Information Director/Volunteer Assistant Cross Country & Track and Field Coach
Alcorn State University
Lorman, MS
01.2012 - 07.2015
- Managed athletic communications, media relations, and event publicity
- Coordinated press box operations, game-day management, and statistical reporting
- Organized promotional materials, press releases, and athletic publications
- Served as liaison between athletic programs, media and the public
- Supported event operations including game-day logistics and personnel coordination
Education
Masters - Sports Administration
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS07-2022
Bachelors - Chemistry
Alcorn State University
Lorman, MS05-2010
Skills
- Google Spreadsheet/Google Docs/Google Sheets/Google Forms
- First Aid/CPR Certified
- Communication
- Organization
- Leadership
Accomplishments
3x Conference Coach of the Year (2020, 2021, 202)
Produced 5 Athletes of the Year at Benedictine and Avila University
Led nationally ranked programs and historic team performances
Certification
First Aid/CPR Certified
Timeline
Science Teacher | Head Baseball and Softball Coach
Grandview High School
07.2024 - Current
Director of Cross Country/Track and Field/Adjunct Professor
Benedictine College
01.2020 - 08.2023
Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach
Avila University
07.2016 - 10.2019
Sports Information Director/Volunteer Assistant Cross Country & Track and Field Coach
Alcorn State University
01.2012 - 07.2015
Bachelors - Chemistry
Alcorn State University
Masters - Sports Administration
Belhaven University
AWARDS
3x Heart of America Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year (2020, 2021 & 2022)