STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph's College Senior Director of Athletics Brian Curtin has announced that Jason Riley '16 has been named as the Head Coach of the Monks' golf program.
Riley takes the reins from Jamie Smyth '92, who earlier this summer decided to step down from the position after serving as the Monks' skipper for 14 years. Smyth will continue to serve as the Head Coach of the Saint Joseph's softball team as he returns for his 23rd season in the dugout next spring.
"Leaving the golf program was not an easy decision for me," adds Smyth. "I truly enjoyed working with the players and will miss all of the experiences that come with the position. For me, the transition is much smoother knowing that Jason is the new coach. The program is in very good hands."
A member of the Monks' golf program for two years (2014-15), Riley – who transferred from N.C. Wesleyan to SJC prior to his junior year - twice garnered Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Academic honors and played in 13 events during his college career. He also served as a team captain during his senior season.
Riley was also a member of the Monks' club hockey team for two years and served as the program's head coach during the 2018-19 campaign.
"There are definitely some big shoes to fill as Coach Smyth is an incredible coach, mentor and an even better person," states Riley. "I'm looking forward to building on what has been accomplished so far and guiding the program into the future. With the season right around the corner, I'm excited to get the guys back on campus and get to work."
A Business Management major with a minor in Mathematics, Riley graduated with Magna Cum Laude distinction in May of 2016 and was given the Saint Joseph's College Management Award, which is given annually to the student with the highest GPA in the department, following his senior year.
"We are very grateful for Coach Smyth's leadership of the golf program," says Curtin. "Coach Smyth has been and will remain an exemplary member of our Athletics staff. Jason comes aboard with the golf program in a solid place and we are confident he will build on all that Coach Smyth worked to accomplish."
Riley currently works full-time as a Senior Software Support Specialist at Tyler Technologies in Falmouth, Maine.
The 2019 golf season begins on Friday, August 30th with a tri-match at the Gorham Country Club hosted by University of Southern Maine.
