Head Coach Michael Smolens completed his 21st season at the helm of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy men's soccer program, which he guided the Mariners to the "Elite 8" of the NCAA Division III Tournament - the furthest any Academy team ever reached. The Mariners earned the top-seed in the 2005 ECAC Championships, marking the 10th straight post-season appearance and 20th in the past 30 years.

Smolens has endured much success in his tenure at the Academy. At the conclusion of the 2004 campaign, he received NSCAA/Adidas Metro Region Coach of the Year honors for the second time in his career. He was also named the Skyline Conference Coach of the Year in leading the Mariners to a mark of 19-3 overall. Kings Point ranked as high as sixth in the nation over the course of the season.

The 2004 team concluded the regular season ranked 17th nationally in the National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association (NSCAA) Poll. USMMA also earned a post-season bid to the Eastern College Athletic Conference Tournament.

Smolens had guided the Mariners to 14 post-season berths in his 16 seasons with the Blue and Gray. He has led the Blue and Gray to an ECAC Championship, seven Skyline Conference Titles, and a Suburban Conference Championship. His teams earned post-season bids to the NCAA Tournament in 2000 and 2002.

In 2002, the Mariners advanced to the "Sweet Sixteen." Smolens was honored as the 2002 Regional Coach of the Year by the NSCAA.

In addition to his coaching duties, Smolens serves as the Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations, overseeing compliance, scheduling and academic affairs.

A 1984 alumnus of Springfield College where he earned Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education, Smolens was a three-year starter for the Chiefs' soccer team. He earned a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from Adelphi University in 1990 and holds a USSF "B" coaching license, and a NSCAA advanced national coaching diploma.

In his leisure, Coach Smolens worked with numerous soccer programs, including the New York State Olympic Development squads and Coaching License Clinics.

Smolens resides in Great Neck, New York with his wife, Patti, and daughters Kate and Diana.