Nolan Smith returns to his alma mater as the first Head Coach of the Aquinas College ACHA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey team in the spring of 2025. A proud graduate of Aquinas, Smith earned his undergraduate degree in Education with focuses in Learning Disabilities (Special Education), Social Studies, and History. He later completed his master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Emotional Impairments (Special Education) from Grand Valley State University.
Coach Smith brings valuable coaching experience to the Saints, having previously served as the Head Coach of Ferris State’s ACHA Division III program. During his time there, Smith led his team to a signature victory over the top-ranked team in the country during the 2023-24 season and made major strides in reducing player ineligibility, emphasizing both athletic and academic excellence.
No stranger to Aquinas hockey, Smith was a member of the program’s inaugural team, helping lay the foundation for Saints hockey. A native of West Michigan, he played his youth and high school hockey in the region and shared the ice with his brother during high school. His deep roots in the sport also extend to officiating, as Smith is a certified hockey referee.
In addition to coaching, Nolan works as a teacher in the Grand Rapids area, where he resides. Outside the rink, he enjoys playing men’s league hockey, watching Detroit Lions football, working on his yard, and spending time on the golf course.
When asked why he chose to return to Aquinas, Smith shared:
“When I was a prospective student I loved the small campus feel within a big city. As a coach, I’m excited to help student-athletes share in the amazing time I had at AQ. It’s an amazing school with so many amazing people!”
Smith hails from a hockey-loving family from Hopkins, Michigan, and remains deeply connected to the local hockey community.
