Kiechen Smith returns to York College in the role of interim associate head men's and women's track & field coach during the 2026 outdoor season. bringing with him a proven record of success from his previous stint with the Cardinals. Smith was originally appointed in January 2024 as interim head coach of the men’s and women’s cross country and track & field programs following a leadership transition.
During his tenure, Smith led York to notable success, highlighted by the 2024 CUNYAC Women’s Outdoor Track Performer of the Year and a total of eight All-CUNYAC selections across men’s and women’s programs (four women’s outdoor, three men’s outdoor, one women’s indoor). His teams also earned eight CUNYAC Sportsmanship Team honors from 2023–25, including the 2024–25 CUNYAC Women’s Indoor Track & Field Sportsmanship Award.
Smith played a key role in the development of youth athletes as head track & field coach for City Parks Foundation from 2005-17. His experience at City Parks Foundation also included being a sales representative from 2014-15. From 2010-12, Smith was the head track & field coach at Christ the King High School.
Smith competed on the NCAA Division I level at St. Francis College after transferring from Rand Lake College (2005-07) as a two-time indoor NJCAA Division I Regional XXIV Champion in the 4x400 relay. Achieving his bachelor’s degree in professional studies as a class of 2010 graduate, Smith competed at a total of five Northeast Conference Championships with the Terriers between the indoor and outdoor seasons. Smith produced fourth-place finishes in back-to-back outdoor seasons (2009-10) in the triple jump, including a school record 14.21 in that event in 2010. Following his collegiate career, Smith trained for the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics with the Trinidad National Team. At the qualifiers in 2008 and 2012, Smith placed seventh and eighth, respectively.
A 2005 graduate of Transit Tech Career and Technical Education High School, where he was a member of the New York State Championship 4x400 relay squad as a senior. During his senior season at Transit Tech, Smith was All-New York State and All-City to go along with indoor City Championship recognition in the 4x200 and 4x400 relays. In 2004, Smith was recognized as an All-City selection.
Smith currently resides in Brooklyn.
On His 2024 Appointment
"We are excited to introduce Kiechen Smith as he takes the helm of our men’s and women’s cross country and track & field programs. Along with the opening of our new outdoor track in the coming weeks, I strongly believe that coach Smith’s experience, energy and leadership will lead York College back to a level of accomplishment the school has historically enjoyed." – former interim director of athletics Chris Monasch
"I am very excited and thankful to embark on this new journey as the head coach of the Cardinals’ cross country and track & field programs. We have great expectations of taking it one step at a time to new heights. We can’t wait to get started." – Kiechen Smith, January 2024
