Platts Tabbed to Lead Smith Soccer
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Smith College Director of Athletics & Recreation Lynn Oberbillig has announced the hiring of Mark Platts as the seventh soccer head coach in the program's 38-year history.
Platts was the head coach at Point Park University from 2010 to 2012 where he boasted an initial recruiting class of 14 student-athletes and guided the Pioneers to their first playoff game in program history.
Prior to taking the reins at Point Park, Platts began his collegiate coaching career as a member of the Walsh University staff after earning a business degree and MBA as a Cavalier in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The 2007 squad touted a 13-3-2 record following a 7-10 campaign the year before while the 2008 team made the conference playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
As an assistant coach at Eastern Oregon University the past two Falls, Platts helped the Mountaineers go from 1-13-2 in 2012 to 9-5-1 this past season while aiding the head coach in practice, recruiting, fundraising and program management. Additionally, Platts has also been the Director of Coaching at Canyon Optimist Soccer Club and Union County Youth Soccer Association. He also brings coaching experience from Foothills Soccer Club and Marlington High School.
"We are all excited about the strengths Mark brings to Smith," said Oberbillig. "I was not only impressed with Mark's tactical abilities but also his commitment to his student-athletes. He connected instantly with the team and should be an outstanding recruiter for Smith."
In addition to his coaching duties, Platts will utilize six years of undergraduate teaching experience as a lecturer in the Exercise and Sports Studies (ESS) Department.
Oberbillig added, "His ability to teach in the ESS graduate program and mentor graduate assistants was important to our department."
"I am very excited about the opportunity to work for such a highly rated and historically significant academic institution," remarked Platts. "The soccer program has been improving under Coach Shaw and I aim to continue to add to the progress that was made over the past few years."
Platts continued, "This is an exciting transition for me and my family as we relocate closer to family and friends. I had a tremendous experience in the interview process. The staff, athletic director, and the women's soccer team took the process seriously and it showed me the value that Smith and its community place on it women's soccer program."
Platts holds an Advanced National Diploma, Director of Coaching Diploma, as well as a State and Regional Goalkeeper Coaching License from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) to go along with a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) C License. He is also currently close to completing his PhD in Sports Management and Leadership at Concordia University.
"The College and the City of Northampton have a lot to offer both myself and my family and it is my aim to compete for the conference title each year. The returning student-athletes are dedicated and talented and have shown great maturity and commitment to the hiring of the new coach. Good things will happen with this team."
Platts will be at the helm for the final two weeks of the non-traditional season.
