Meredith Smith is in his third season as the first assistant men's basketball coach with the Hawks. He has returned to his alma mater after accumulating almost 30 years of high school coaching experience. Smith graduated from UMES, then Maryland State College, in 1964.

Smith became head coach men's basketball coach at Southern High School in Baltimore City in 1978 and held that position for 24 seasons. During that time he compiled a win-loss record of 414-145, giving him the second most victories in Baltimore City Public School history. Smith won 25 playoff games, including three Maryland State Championships, two Maryland Scholastic Association Conference Championships and a Baltimore City Championship in 1999-2000.

"Coach Smith brings with him a sense of pride and history to the program. He knows the school and more importantly he knows basketball. He has been nothing but successful and we expect that success to continue here at UMES," said Head Coach Larry Lessett.

In 1993 the Baltimore Sun named Smith their "Coach of the Year." He holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary and Physical Education from UMES and a Master's degree from Coppin State University.