Marian names Smith new girls soccer coach

As quickly as the girls soccer season ended for Marian Central Catholic High School and the team said goodbye to outgoing head coach Kristian Rockall, the school has named Karl Smith as the new head coach.

“[Smith’s] got a great background,” said Marian athletic director Mike McGovern. “He’s highly involved in club. He’s coached a lot of levels, and he’s had a lot of success.”

Smith has been the head coach of the McHenry County College boys soccer team since 1998. He was named Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year in 2001, 2002 and 2006. In 2001 and 2002, he was named National Junior College Association Region IV Coach of the Year. The Scots played in the conference championships in 2001, 2002 and 2006 and reached the NJCAA Region IV championship game in 2001, 2005 and 2006.

Smith said he was interested in the possibility of coaching at the high school level at some point and had been keeping an eye on Marian.

“With Marian’s commitment to academics, commitment to updating their facilities and maintaining a tradition of winning, I always thought it would be an excellent opportunity,” Smith said. “I know Kristian [Rockall], and we had spoken about me getting involved down the line. He decided to step away and recommended me. …

“I’m excited about the challenge. I’ve been dealing with men’s college soccer, and this will be a bit different. I’m excited to continue what Kristian has done and look forward to maintaining an excellent program and continuing to build a winning tradition.”

Smith is currently working with Sockers FC Chicago in Crystal Lake, a nationally renowned youth soccer organization.