Steve S.

Jaimie Grindle (Alumni Ursuline College Track Runner and Soccer Player: Class of May 2012) Recreation Coordinator Huron County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Testimonial)

Steve is very driven and gives his athletes that push to make themselves better in every aspect of life and not just in sports. He has a unique personality and recognizes that everyone is different as an athlete and as a person. Steve has the ability to bring out the out the best in a person without even knowing it and gives his athletes encouragement to dream and to obtain the unthinkable. As a former athlete coached by Steve, I can’t tell you enough how I look up to him as a role model. His support, encouragement and leadership has influenced and guided my management style in my current career. He has helped me establish a solid foundation to build off of to make myself a better person and leader. He never doubts the potential of someone and is always there if his athletes need him. Steve never loses touch of having fun with what he does and can easily achieve any of his goals. Steve is the reason why we had such a successful program.

Melissa Watson Operations Manager, Gap Inc. (Testimonial)

What makes Steve Smalley special as a coach is he realizes everyone’s individual strengths and weaknesses. He evaluated my skill set better than I ever could; making me a better athlete. From his years of experience as a coach, and also as an athlete himself, Coach Smalley helped me to develop my techniques in hurdles and triple jump. He has always been very encouraging and helped me build confidence on and off the track. Having a coach that believes in you and doesn't ignore your potential as an athlete is one of the greatest gifts you could ask for. Throughout the years I competed at Ursuline, I continued to break each and every goal that I set for myself. I earned the Field Athlete of the Year Award and set a school record in triple jump. With Coach Smalley’s guidance and leadership, I was able to train effectively and strive to achieve my goals. Coach Smalley’s passion for track and field is incredible. Whether he is looking for the next place for his team to compete or the next athlete to recruit, he always gives 110% effort every time.