Erin Smith ’09
Erin Smith ’09 was a soccer standout at the College of Charleston. In fact, she was a prospective professional, but decided not to pursue a playing career. Instead, she combined her communication major and love for soccer into her dream job – guiding young soccer stars to their dreams.
Q: What is your job title and how would you describe your job?
A: I am the director of soccer operations for the Carolina Rapids, a U.S. Soccer Development Academy and US Youth Soccer club. I also coach U14 and U16 teams.
As director of operations, most simply put, I manage everything that gets players on the field and eligible to play. That includes managing league affiliations and relationships with U.S. Soccer, field and facility management, equipment, uniforms and team volunteers.
I also produce graphics and logos for marketing, tournaments and other special events. When we became a partner with the Colorado Rapids, I designed new club crest that has since been replicated for other Rapids alliance clubs.
Additionally, I organize and travel with our yearly international trip. The past few years we have been to London, Spain and France.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
A: I am without a doubt passionate about my career! I am fortunate to be surrounded by people who share the same values and motivation when it comes to teamwork, work ethic and continued development. I wear multiple hats within the organization, which always keeps my attention and challenges me to get better in many facets of operations, coaching and management.
Q: How did you get this position?
A: It was more of a marathon than a sprint at first, but the last few legs have been quick!!! After graduating, I still was considering becoming a graduate assistant and coaching in college, but was really eager to find a sports and entertainment publicity/marketing job.
I decided to move back to North Carolina and started networking with an open mind from there. I worked several seasonal jobs in effort to get exposure to the organizations I was interested in, including working with the Carolina Panthers, U.S. National Whitewater Center and Sprint. With coaching still in mind, I applied for jobs through the NCAA Job Market, but I couldn’t see myself in some of the places I interviewed.
RELATED: Find a job through the NCAA Job Market.
I called my goalkeeper coach and he connected me with the Carolina Rapids, formerly North Meck Soccer Club. I started on a part-time contract gig coaching two teams and then was brought full-time into the office and from there I was promoted within a year to the director of soccer operations.
Erin Smith with her Carolina Rapids team
Q: What is your big career goal or dream?
A: At this point I’m constantly thinking about how I can get better and develop in my current role. I know I will continue to be passionate and find opportunities to further develop myself in soccer over time.
Charlotte has just recently announced the new professional USL team, Charlotte Independence. The Colorado Rapids, who we’re affiliated with, will be responsible for all technical oversight and ultimately hiring the coach. With the soccer network around us growing, it’s good for our club and professional soccer in the area.
RELATED: Read more about Charlotte’s new USL PRO franchise.
Q: What did you do at the College that prepared you for this career?
A: I have always been passionate about soccer and other sports. But, I was also very interested in marketing and public relations, including graphic design. I took a for-credit, art design internship with Charleston Magazine as well as a volunteer internship with the South Carolina Stingrays hockey team. The magazine provided me the opportunity to work on design and get glimpses of marketing and publicity at work. I was able to experience game day operations, sports organization and marketing with the Stingrays. The two internships built diversity in my resume and gave me some added insight to the lifestyles of the people in these career fields. I saw the whole picture and became more invested and engaged in my courses that were relatable.
Time management, organization, work ethic and teamwork are all relatable skills that I learned through soccer and academics. I took advantage of the Career Center and their tools, like the Strong Interest Inventory. The College, and Charleston, also allowed me to find balance in my life through things like sailing, yoga, running downtown and the beach.
Q: What advice would you offer current students?
A: If you find yourself not exactly sure what you want to pursue, discover what you are passionate about first, then get some relatable experience.
As you prepare yourself for post college life, don’t forget the power of your network, especially in finding soccer jobs!
