Moore, Smith Join ACU Soccer Coaching Staff
7/17/2026 11:50:00 AM | Women's Soccer
ABILENE - Abilene Christian soccer made two additions to its staff in the form of assistant coach Reilly Moore and director of operations and player development Samanatha Smith, head coach Stephen Salas announced this week. Moore and Smith each tout collegiate playing experience with a deep background in the game.
The pair joins Salas and assistant coach Jose Salazar as the Wildcats make their debut in the United Athletic Conference in 2026. ACU's season gets started Aug. 15 in Shreveport, La. ahead of the home opener versus New Mexico State on Aug. 20 at Elmer Gray Stadium.
Moore previously served as an assistant boys' soccer coach at Xavier High School in his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Since January 2024, he assisted in planning and leading training sessions and designed offensive and defensive set pieces. Moore helped scout opponents while delivering technical and positional instruction.
Moore also served the women's basketball staff at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa with talent identification and recruiting operations.
"We're excited to welcome another highly-qualified assistant coach to our staff alongside Jose Salazar," Salas said. "Reilly brings Division I and Division II playing experience on the men's side, a notable accomplishment given how few men's programs exist at that level nationwide. That experience translates directly into the training, recruiting and player development support he'll provide our student-athletes.
"At the same time, his specialized background in nutrition and recovery gives them the resources they need to perform and stay healthy for years to come. Every player he works with will leave this program stronger, sharper and ready to compete at their highest potential."
Moore wrapped up his playing career in 2025 at Upper Iowa University, where he spent two seasons. He started each of the Peacocks' 17 matches as a senior midfielder. Moore was a two-time Academic All-Conference selection and was named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators last season.
Moore graduated in May with his Bachelor's degree in exercise science. He began his collegiate career with two seasons at Western Illinois University, where he was tabbed Summit League All-Academic.
In addition to her duties in operations and player development, Smith will lead the program's spiritual development. She completed her playing career in 2025 at Southern Nazarene University, where she competed for two seasons. Smith began her career with four years at Cal State San Bernardino and was a team captain for three seasons.
"Sam is going to make a tremendous impact at ACU, and she already has in the short time she's been here," Salas said. "We're excited for her to step into this role as our soccer director of operations, while also leading our spiritual formation and player development efforts.
"From the moment we interviewed her, it was clear that her focus is on each other's salvation first, right alongside their overall experience and well-being of the student-athletes. Families entrusting us with their daughters can expect someone who invests in who they become, not just how they perform."
Smith earned her Master's in sports management and administration from Southern Nazarene in June after graduating summa cum laude from CSUSB in 2024 with her Bachelor's in sports and entertainment marketing. Smith was named to the Dean's List each semester in San Bernardino.
Smith has previously held positions with UK International Soccer and at the Southern Nazarene Student Success Center.
The pair joins Salas and assistant coach Jose Salazar as the Wildcats make their debut in the United Athletic Conference in 2026. ACU's season gets started Aug. 15 in Shreveport, La. ahead of the home opener versus New Mexico State on Aug. 20 at Elmer Gray Stadium.
Moore previously served as an assistant boys' soccer coach at Xavier High School in his hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Since January 2024, he assisted in planning and leading training sessions and designed offensive and defensive set pieces. Moore helped scout opponents while delivering technical and positional instruction.
Moore also served the women's basketball staff at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa with talent identification and recruiting operations.
"We're excited to welcome another highly-qualified assistant coach to our staff alongside Jose Salazar," Salas said. "Reilly brings Division I and Division II playing experience on the men's side, a notable accomplishment given how few men's programs exist at that level nationwide. That experience translates directly into the training, recruiting and player development support he'll provide our student-athletes.
"At the same time, his specialized background in nutrition and recovery gives them the resources they need to perform and stay healthy for years to come. Every player he works with will leave this program stronger, sharper and ready to compete at their highest potential."
Moore wrapped up his playing career in 2025 at Upper Iowa University, where he spent two seasons. He started each of the Peacocks' 17 matches as a senior midfielder. Moore was a two-time Academic All-Conference selection and was named Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators last season.
Moore graduated in May with his Bachelor's degree in exercise science. He began his collegiate career with two seasons at Western Illinois University, where he was tabbed Summit League All-Academic.
In addition to her duties in operations and player development, Smith will lead the program's spiritual development. She completed her playing career in 2025 at Southern Nazarene University, where she competed for two seasons. Smith began her career with four years at Cal State San Bernardino and was a team captain for three seasons.
"Sam is going to make a tremendous impact at ACU, and she already has in the short time she's been here," Salas said. "We're excited for her to step into this role as our soccer director of operations, while also leading our spiritual formation and player development efforts.
"From the moment we interviewed her, it was clear that her focus is on each other's salvation first, right alongside their overall experience and well-being of the student-athletes. Families entrusting us with their daughters can expect someone who invests in who they become, not just how they perform."
Smith earned her Master's in sports management and administration from Southern Nazarene in June after graduating summa cum laude from CSUSB in 2024 with her Bachelor's in sports and entertainment marketing. Smith was named to the Dean's List each semester in San Bernardino.
Smith has previously held positions with UK International Soccer and at the Southern Nazarene Student Success Center.
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