Three decades after attending UC Irvine and playing on the men's soccer team, Anteater alumni Scott Smith continues his close ties to the university through his job at the City of Irvine and by supporting the men's soccer program. Scott grew up in south Orange County and always dreamed of playing Division I soccer. However, a year after graduating high school, the opportunity seemed to have slipped away. Then, while working and attending junior college, Irvine Valley College added a men's soccer team to their athletic program. Scott tried out and made the team. Which unbeknownst to him at the time, was his first step toward playing at UCI.
At Irvine Valley College, the team had good chemistry, played well, and made it to the state playoffs. Scott explains that "there were two guys on the team, who were outstanding players and should have been playing Division I straight out of high school. However, since they played at IVC, Bob O'Leary would regularly come to watch our games." At the time, Bob was the assistant coach at UCI and had previously coached these guys at the club level. "The strong relationship between the three of them benefited me because when Bob watched our games, he noticed me and decided to bring me over to play for UCI." Scott said that "having the opportunity to play for UCI was a dream come true."
"My experience in the UCI soccer program was exceptional. My teammates were great and even to this day, it makes me smile when I think about the camaraderie. Our head coach at the time was Derek Lawther; he was a funny guy that had a lot of hilarious Irish sayings. Anyone that played for Derek can quote many things he said verbatim."
From 1991-93, Scott played 29 matches for the Anteaters. As a junior, he provided three assists and scored three times, including a game-winner. The summer before his senior year, Scott broke his leg and tore all the ligaments in his ankle during a training game. Even though the ankle problem persisted throughout his senior season, Scott started all 13 matches and scored two goals.
Following graduation, Scott had an opportunity to play soccer with a semi-professional team in Northern California. However, he chose to get married and start his career in engineering. Two years later, Scott received a master's degree in Civil Engineering, and has since worked for several private civil and environmental engineering companies, owned his own business, and worked in the public sector for two different cities. Scott presently works for the City of Irvine, a place that he loves and has lived in for over 25 years.
Scott's love for soccer never stopped. He has played in various men's leagues over the years and continues to play pickup games as often as he can. The UC Irvine soccer program has remained close to his heart. He and his family, regularly attends games to cheer on the Anteaters. "With both Coach Yossi and the previous coach, George Kuntz, they were kind enough to allow me to speak to the players and share a bit about my experience at UCI. It was important to me to talk to the players and share with them that I understood many of the challenges they face as student athletes. I wanted them to know that I was available as a resource to talk about athletic or academic struggles, or even if they needed help with starting their career after graduation. Getting through college and approaching life after graduation can be overwhelming with all the changes and new responsibilities. I really wanted them to know that others have felt the same way and that I'll help them however I could."
Scott is active in promoting various avenues for students and student-athletes to succeed, including coordinating internships. "For many years I've been talking to high school and college students about engineering as a career option. More recently, my focus has been to incorporate work and internship opportunities. When I graduated from college, it was difficult getting that first job due to a lack of engineering related work experience. Through the City of Irvine's volunteer internship program, I've been able to help students gain important work experience in an amazing organization that is regularly recognized for excellence throughout the nation."
Scott's dream of playing Division I soccer was realized as an Anteater. The education, soccer experience, and friendships he developed have had lasting influences on his personal life and career. "I'm still friends with many of my teammates and enjoy seeing them at alumni events and around town. However, the most important relationship that came from my college years was meeting my wife, Dawn, who played on the UCI Women's soccer team. We have been married for 27-years and have two adult sons. I am a blessed man."
"I'm proud to be an alumnus of UCI and I'm very impressed with today's soccer program. Coach Yossi really cares about the long-term success of his players, and it's been great to witness the program's growth and quality".
