MONMOUTH, Ore. --- The Western Oregon softball team is excited to announce the addition of Tyler Smith as its new assistant coach.

Smith joins the staff after serving as an assistant coach at UC Riverside during the 2024-25 season, where he worked closely with infielders and hitters.

Smith brings a strong softball pedigree to Monmouth, following in the footsteps of his father, Mike Smith, the former head coach at Ole Miss. Smith's coaching journey includes experience at multiple collegiate levels, including a stint at Colby Community College in Kansas during the fall of 2024, where he coached outfielders and hitters.

"I'm really excited to add Tyler to our staff," WOU softball head coach Aly Boytz said. "He comes from a strong softball background and a family deeply rooted in the game. His passion for developing student-athletes on and off the field makes him a great fit for our program. We can't wait to welcome him to campus."

Before transitioning into coaching, Smith was a graduate assistant at California Baptist University for two years, earning his master's degree in business administration while working with the softball program.

"I am honored and excited to join Coach Boytz's staff at Western Oregon," Smith said. "It's a great opportunity to help develop student-athletes and contribute to building something special here."

A native of California, Smith began his collegiate playing career at Itawamba Community College in Mississippi, where he helped lead the team to an MACJC state championship. He went on to pitch for Limestone University in South Carolina, graduating with a degree in Sport Management.