Abilene Christian University’s soccer program has announced the hiring of Reilly Moore as an assistant coach and Samantha Smith as director of operations and player development, a move that underscores the Wildcats’ ambition as they gear up for their inaugural season in the United Athletic Conference slated for 2026.
Moore arrives after a stint as an assistant coach for the boys’ soccer team at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he helped plan training sessions and craft offensive and defensive set pieces, bringing a blend of playing experience from Upper Iowa University and Western Illinois University, both of which earned him academic accolades.
Smith, a former standout at Southern Nazarene University and Cal State San Bernardino, where she captained her side, will now oversee spiritual development alongside her operational duties, having recently completed a Master’s in sports management and administration and a Bachelor’s in sports and entertainment marketing.
The Wildcats open their campaign on August 15 in Shreveport, Louisiana, facing New Mexico State at Elmer Gray Stadium for a home opener that promises to showcase the new coaching duo’s preparations, which include leading training drills and shaping the team’s tactical identity.
Both hires reflect ACU’s commitment to integrating competitive experience with holistic player development, a strategy that aligns with the university’s broader mission and its growing presence in collegiate soccer circles.
A New Chapter for the Wildcats
The addition of Moore and Smith comes at a pivotal moment as ACU prepares to transition into a new conference, a shift that will test the program’s depth and resilience against established rivals.
Their combined backgrounds — spanning collegiate stardom, coaching apprenticeships, and administrative acumen — are expected to enrich the team’s culture, fostering an environment where athletic excellence and personal growth intersect.
Fans can anticipate a season marked by strategic innovation and a renewed focus on character development, as the Wildcats aim to make a strong impression in their debut year.