Smith, a 2009 Mid-Continent University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, served as a full-time assistant men's basketball coach under head coach Winston Bennett from 2009-11, and was a student assistant coach for the 2008-09 season. Smith has played a significant role in recruiting and scouting.

    MCU men's basketball has posted 50 victories in the last three seasons, including a school-record 24 wins in 2009-10 when the Cougars tied for second place in the TranSouth Athletics Conference, won the National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) Mideast Regional and placed third at the NCCAA National Championships. Two Cougars, center Kenny Thomas and forward Chris Ferguson, have been selected for both NAIA and NCCAA All-America honors in the last three seasons, and three MCU players have won All-TSAC first team honors - Thomas (twice), Ferguson, and guard Joshua Woodley.

    Smith played for MCU's junior varsity team in 2007-08, and served as Mid-Continent University student government president as a senior in 2008-09. He attended Portland Christian School in Louisville, Kentucky, where he set school records in career three-point field goals, consecutive free throws made and free throws made in a game without a miss.  In high school, Ryan was active in student government, serving as junior class vice president.  After graduating from Portland Christian, Smith attended the University of Louisville and Indiana University-Southeast before transferring to Mid-Continent.

    Upon accepting the position, Smith commented: "I am completely thrilled to accept the women's head coaching position here at my alma mater. Without the guidance of my former boss, coach Winston Bennett, this opportunity could never have become a reality for me.  He has truly propelled me, and I owe him an incredible debt of gratitude."

     "I must also thank our president, Dr. Robert Imhoff, and athletics director Larry Lampkins for having faith in me to pour my talents and energy into this job.  Most importantly, I thank God for his unfathomable goodness and all that He has done for me and what He continues to do for the women's basketball team and Mid-Continent University."