MIDWAY, Ky. – Midway University is pleased to announce that Cole Smith has been named program's first-ever head coach in women's wrestling. He joined the Midway staff in May of 2024 as an assistant men's wrestling coach.

Smith had a successful campaign as an assistant under head coach Kenny Mason. They lead the team to the most placers at the conference tournament (nine) in the history of the program. They also have two wrestlers with automatic qualification for the national tournament and three others with a positive chance for at-large bids.

"We look forward to Cole stepping into this position to help us launch women's wrestling for the University," said Jamy Bechler, Midway Interim Athletics Director. "His wrestling background, passion for coaching, and understanding of Midway athletics will allow him to hit the ground running to build the program and recruit a team for next year."

Before Midway, Coach Smith was a four-time All-American for at Cumberland (TN), with his junior year (2021-22 season) reaching the pinnacle by becoming a national champion at the 165-pound weight class. He was a member of the Division-I program at Old Dominion University (Va.) for one year before the program was shut down. 

When asked about his goals and expectations for his first season, Coach Smith said, "Well my goal is (to be ranked in the) top 15 in the country by the end of the season. It's an extremely exciting opportunity."

Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Business Management from Cumberland University.