KEVIN JENISON

GoSycamores.com

TERRE HAUTE, Ind.  – Indiana State baseball coach Mitch Hannahs has announced that former Sycamore assistant baseball coach Brian Smiley will return to the program to serve as the top assistant coach for the Indiana State baseball team.

“Obviously we are very fortunate to have a coach the caliber of Brian to come to Indiana State,” Hannahs said. “His commitment to the program and to the players is valuable. Brian has had a lot of very good opportunities in the coaching ranks and we are thankful that he chose to come back to Indiana State.”

Smiley was an assistant coach at Indiana State four seasons before leaving earlier this year for an opportunity to serve as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa.

“I am excited to be able to work with Coach Hannahs and the entire staff,” Smiley said. “I believe in Indiana State, not only the baseball program but also the entire university. My wife and I love Terre Haute and look forward to staying here for quite a long time.”

In his previous stint with the Sycamores, Smiley served numerous roles including working with the team's outfielders and hitters. In his four seasons with Indiana State, Smiley assisted the Sycamores to a 131-91 overall record including their first 40-win season since 1992 (41-19 in 2012).

Smiley played four years of collegiate baseball, spending one year at Triton and Lincoln Trail Community College before transferring to Arkansas-Little Rock for his final two seasons. His coaching career began in 2007 when he joined the staff of the Dubois County Bombers as an assistant coach. He was quickly named manager of the team and served in that capacity for three seasons. He also coached at Danville Area Community College.