Another coaching position at Warren County High School has been filled.
Orion Smith was named Tuesday as the new WCHS boys soccer coach, replacing Todd Willmore following his resignation in May after six years coaching the Pioneers.
Willmore, also the school’s athletic director, was one of the main people who decided Smith would be the worthy replacement for the boys soccer team. Smith has been an assistant coach for Willmore on both the girls and boys soccer teams for the last two years.
Willmore believes Smith’s familiarity with the team, along with his passion for the game, was too much to pass up when making the hire.
“Orion has developed a strong relationship with many of our returning players and will bring youthful enthusiasm, a solid background in soccer and a strong value system to our program,” Willmore said in a statement released Tuesday. “We are extremely excited about the possibilities of Orion continuing to strengthen the culture of our soccer program.”
Smith couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Smith played in college at Lipscomb University following a stellar career at Riverdale High School. As a Warrior, Smith was named to the all-district, all-region and all-state team during his four-year career. Smith graduated from Riverdale in 2008.
Along with coaching under Willmore with the Pioneers and Lady Pioneers the last two years, Smith also has served as the head coach of the Murfreesboro Strikers Club for four years.
Johnny Smith, a senior captain and All-District 6-AAA performer on last year’s 8-10 team, believes his former coach will make a good head coach at Warren County High School.
“Orion is a smart coach. Being a former player, he understands the game as well as the player mentality,” said Smith. “He’s been there to understand what it takes to win. Todd built a foundation for Orion to work with and I can’t wait to see the growth in the program. Orion will be a great asset for years to come.”