Colette Smith, an accomplished player and coach, has been hired as an assistant coach for the Wildcats. Smith, like new head coach Kyle Christensen, is a Davis County native.

“I’m passionate about helping these players reach their full potential, both on and off the field, and creating a program where they feel supported and empowered,” Smith said in a WSU news release announcing her hire Wednesday. “I fully believe in head coach Kyle Christensen and our shared vision for creating a team and environment where success thrives both on and off the field.”

Smith, née Jepson, prepped at Davis High School (2008 graduate) where she helped the Darts win three region titles, reach a state championship match and led the state in scoring as a junior with 36 goals.

Smith started 15 games as a freshman at UNLV before transferring to BYU. In two seasons with the Cougars, the midfielder/forward totaled nine goals and six assists, including two game-winning goals. As a team captain and senior in 2013, Smith helped lead BYU to the national quarterfinals.

As a coach, Smith was on the girls soccer staff for three state championships at Davis High and was also head coach of the Utah Royals Reserves developmental pro team, who claimed a runner-up spot in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

Smith was then head coach for Rowland Hall girls soccer from 2020-22. Over three seasons, Smith led Rowland Hall to two Utah 2A state titles and one runner-up finish. A page on Rowland Hall’s website says Smith stepped away after the 2022 season to spend more time with her family.

“My family’s love and encouragement make this opportunity even more special, and we’re all excited to be part of this journey,” Smith said in WSU’s release. “I can’t wait to help build a culture of excellence, teamwork, and belief that will define the future of this program.”

CHRISTENSEN SIGNED FOR THREE SEASONS

Christensen, who became the fifth head coach for Weber State women’s soccer upon his hire in December, is signed to lead the Wildcats for three years, according to contracts obtained via records request.

Christensen’s contract lasts through the 2027 season but also stipulates the automatic addition of a fourth year, through the 2028 season, if the Wildcats qualify for the Big Sky tournament in the 2027 season.

Early termination clauses include the usual boilerplate regarding NCAA infractions, behavior prejudicial against the university, criminal activity, and academic performance requirements connected to APR scores.

WSU’s other newest head coach, softball leader Kristin Delahoussaye, is also on a three-year contract through the 2027 season. After eight seasons as an assistant coach, she took over in June 2024 for the retiring legend Mary Kay Amicone.

WSU VOLLEYBALL SIGNS THREE PLAYERS

Weber State volleyball announced Wednesday the signing of three new players.

Fifth-year outside hitter Kaylie Ray signed with Weber State after four years at Utah State, winning three conference championships with the Aggies. She appeared in 23 matches in 2024, totaling 146 kills, including five matches with at least 10 kills. Ray is from Chandler, Arizona.

Sophomore outside hitter Melanie Merrill was a junior college first team All-American this past season at Eastern Arizona College, helping her team win a region championship. Merrill, an Arizona native, recorded 706 kills, 579 digs and 108 total blocks in two seasons (70 matches) for the Gila Monsters.

Ziya Munyer is a middle blocker graduating early from Lakeland High School in Rathdrum, Idaho, to join the Wildcats. Munyer won all-league MVP honors in volleyball while earning letters in volleyball in all four years, track for three years and basketball for two. She twice won the Idaho state title in the triple jump. Munyer’s brother, Ammon, is a tight end on Weber State’s football team. Ammon is married to Saane Munyer, née Katoa; Saane will be a senior for WSU volleyball in 2025.