University Southern California Trojans
Peter Smith Adds To His Honor Roll
September 22, 2011 | Men's Tennis
Sept. 22, 2011
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Soon to be crowned as an addition to the Long Beach State Hall of Fame, USC men's tennis head coach Peter Smith has also recently been honored by the United States Professional Tennis Association. After leading the Trojans to NCAA Championships in the past three season, Smith has his 2011-12 squad primed for a shot at a fourth straight run.
Smith kicked off his collegiate coaching career at Long Beach State, where he played and would soon return to become the youngest Division I men's tennis head coach at age 23. He served as the 49ers' head coach for four years (1988-91), compiling an overall record of 50-47 (.515). Smith's success at Long Beach State and continued coaching dominance has secured him in the Hall of Fame Class of 2011, which will be celebrated in an induction ceremony on November 9. There, Smith will be joined by fellow Long Beach State standouts, including current Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Jared Weaver, softball player Meredith Cervenka, track and field athlete Le'Gretta Smith (Hinds), men's volleyball player Alan Knipe, women's basketball player Margaret Mohr, administrator Doug Robinson, football player Mark Templeton, women's volleyball player Cheryl Weaver and the 1989 Women's Volleyball National Championship Team.
On Sept. 22 in Wesley Chapel, Fla., the USPTA honored those who stand out and go above and beyond in all aspects of the tennis industry, from tennis coaches to players to volunteers during its annual national awards breakfast. Smith was on that list of honorees as a College Coach of the Year in recognition of his winning efforts with the Trojans.
