Michael Smolens begins his 23rd season at the helm of the men’s soccer program at the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a record of 270-122-32.  He has led the Mariners to 21 consecutive winning seasons – all with 10 wins or more – as well as nine conference championships and five NCAA Tournament bids.

Under Smolens, 2011 marked the third consecutive time the Marienrs reached the NCAA Tournament.  USMMA also snagged their first championship in the Landmark Conference by defeating two-time defending champs Catholic University of America 1-0 in the Landmark Championship game.

In 2009, Smolens led his club to its third NCAA Tournament appearance during his tenure with a 15-4 overall record and a 6-1 mark in the Landmark Conference. Four Mariners were named to the All-Landmark teams, including two of his players who were tabbed as the Offensive Player of the Year and the Rookie of the Year. The Mariners had a number of big victories during the 2009 season including wins over NCAA Qualifiers, Plattsburg (2-1), St. Joseph's (4-0) and Catholic (1-0). Their 2-0 win over Coast Guard continued the Mariners' unbeaten streak in the Superintendents' Trophy, which dates back to 1999.

In 2007, Smolens guided the Mariners to the first Landmark Conference regular season title, finishing the season 11-6 (6-1). Smolens and his staff were named the Landmark Conference Coaching Staff of the Year in 2007. He has also been named the NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2004 and the Skyline Coach of the Year on nine occasions. The 2002 club was ranked as high as sixth nationally and the 2004 campaign finished the fall ranked No. 17 in the NSCAA National Poll.

In addition to his coaching duties, Smolens serves as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations and oversees compliance, scheduling and academic affairs. Coach Smolens has also worked with numerous soccer programs, including the New York State Olympic Development squads and Coaching License Clinics. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education at Springfield College in 1984 and was also a three-year starter for the Chiefs’ soccer team.

He earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Adelphi University in 1990. Furthermore, he holds a USSF “B” coaching license and an NSCAA advanced national coaching diploma. Smolens resides in Great Neck, N.Y. with his wife, Patti, and daughters, Kate and Diana.