Dustin Smith

Bio

Dustin P. Smith is the Head Coach of Track and Field and Cross Country at the University of South Carolina–Sumter, bringing nearly a decade of coaching experience and a proven record of championship success to the Fire Ants program. Coach Smith has been coaching high school Cross Country and Track and Field since 2018, developing athletes both competitively and personally through a culture built on accountability, goal-setting, and consistent growth.

During his tenure at Wilson Hall, Coach Smith prepared the Boys Cross Country team to capture back-to-back SCISA 4A State Championships in 2024 and 2025, while the Girls Cross Country team finished as the SCISA 4A State Runner-Up in 2024. His success continued into the spring season, where the Wilson Hall Girls Track and Field team earned the SCISA 4A State Championship in 2025. These accomplishments reflect Coach Smith’s ability to build balanced programs that emphasize long-term athlete development across seasons.

Coach Smith is passionate about helping student-athletes set meaningful goals and reach their full potential, both on the track and in life. He places a strong emphasis on discipline, work ethic, and personal responsibility—values shaped by his background as a retired United States Air Force Officer. His leadership experience in the military continues to influence his coaching philosophy, particularly in areas of team culture, resilience, and preparation.

A resident of Sumter since 2013, Coach Smith is deeply invested in the local community and excited to lead USC Sumter’s Track and Field and Cross Country programs as the only NJCAA program in South Carolina. He is proud to be part of the Fire Ant family and looks forward to building a competitive and athlete-centered program for years to come. Coach Smith is married to Kristine Smith, also an accomplished running coach, and they have four adult children.