Since 2001, Trinity University has established itself as having one of the premier pitching staffs in Division III.  Five times they have led the conference in ERA, including the 2002 season in which they led the nation in ERA with a 2.26 mark.  Trinity has also led the conference in strikeouts six times in the last seven years, with totals of 464 in 2004 and 453 in 2008, both totals that led the nation and rank in the top ten in Division III history.  Individually, Trinity boosts three pitchers who have been named conference pitcher of the year (2002, 2004, and 2005) while 14 pitchers have been named all conference in the last seven seasons (four more were named honorable mention).  Three pitchers represented Trinity in the Cape Cod League over that time, and most impressively a total of six pitchers have gone on to play professionally since the 2005 season. 

Dave Smith has been the Trinity baseball pitching coach since 2001, following a standout career with the Tigers in which he compiled a 24-7 career record.  Overall, Coach Smith ranks No. 2  all time in Trinity starts, fourth in victories, seventh in ERA, and ninth in strikeouts.  Always a steady performer, his breakout season was 2002 where he anchored the Trinity pitching staff.  Coach Smith finished the year with an 8-2 record and a 1.84 ERA, earning All-West Region and All-SCAC honors.  He was also on the All-SCAC team in 2000 and 2001, and spent two summers in the MINK League playing for the Beatrice (Neb.) Bruins. 

Coach Smith entered into the coaching profession because of his pitching coach and mentor, the late Bob Meccage.  During his career at Trinity, Coach Smith developed a close relationship with Coach Meccage. His decision to follow in his teacher's footsteps was directly influenced by Coach Meccage's dedication toward Coach Smith’s baseball career and personal life.  According to Coach Smith, "Coach Meccage was the greatest motivator I have ever been around, and demanded everything you had every time you stepped on that field, all the while expressing his sincere joy when he knew you gave everything you had."

Coach Smith resides in San Antonio with his wife, Amber, and their two dogs, Hunter and Daisy, and cat Smoltz.