He has such an admirable and amazing communication style. He’s very motivating and inspiring on video when he speaks, and I’d imagine tenfold in person, and I think it’s because it comes from a place of love. I think he has a true love for his athletes and their overall happiness, well-being, aspirations, health, and success. I think his love for the connections with each athlete rivals or exceeds the love of the sport.

I have so many of Smith’s one-liners tucked into the back of my head and I’m absolutely comfortable admitting that I’m going to steal them and use them for my athletes.

Mike Smith is the Director of Cross Country and Track & Field at the University of Northern Arizona. You can read his coaching bio on NAU’s website.

And for my money, this is the best short series of YouTube videos that I think I’ve ever watched. Flotrack worked with Coach Smith and the men’s cross country team to produce “Running with the Boys,” which tracks the team’s 2019 season.

Episode 1:

Episode 2:

Episode 3: