Mississippi Christian University has announced the addition of Griffin Smith to its baseball coaching staff, head coach Jeremy Haworth said Monday. Smith joins the Choctaws after a successful tenure at Ecclesia College, where he helped lead the program to conference titles and national rankings.
During his time at Ecclesia, Smith served as recruiting coordinator, pitching coach, and associate head coach before being promoted to head coach and hitting coach in 2024. Under his leadership, the Royals posted records of 33-14 in 2025 and 21-9 in 2026, earning conference championships, regional appearances, and high national offensive rankings.
Smith coached 13 all-conference players, five Gold Glove winners, and two all-region selections. His efforts earned him both Conference Coach of the Year and Natural State College Coach of the Year honors. Originally from Arkansas, he has gained additional coaching experience in summer collegiate baseball, including roles with the Rockford Rivets and Green Bay Rockers.
Haworth praised Smith’s background, saying he is a proven leader capable of building a winning culture. “His passion for developing student-athletes and his ability to connect with players will have an immediate impact,” Haworth said. “We are excited to welcome Griffin and his family to the Choctaw family.”
Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Central Baptist College and is pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Administration at Arkansas State University. His diverse experience with modern baseball technologies such as TrackMan, Rapsodo, and Synergy supports his focus on player development and game strategy.
As Mississippi Christian University prepares for the upcoming season, the program aims to contend for conference and national championships with Smith’s addition to the coaching staff.
