Belmont Announces New Staff Hires

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont University Athletics announced four full-time staff hires Monday.
 
Anna Speller and Pierce Smith have been named athletic development coordinators, Austin Smalling has been named assistant director of facilities and event operations, and Kole Winfield has been named assistant athletic trainer.
 
Reporting to Executive Director of the Bruin Club Russell Grimm, Speller and Smith will support Belmont's growing athletic fundraising efforts through event coordination, donor engagement, Bruin Club initiatives and special projects that enhance the student-athlete experience and advance the mission of Belmont Athletics.
 
Speller, a St. Louis, Missouri native, was a four-year member of the Southeast Missouri State University gymnastics team. While earning her bachelor's degree in corporate communications, she interned with SEMO's Redhawks Club, supporting hospitality operations and major fundraising events such as Walk for Women, the annual golf tournament, and a community trivia night.
 
Smith, an Old Hickory, Tennessee native, earned his bachelor's degree in sport management from the University of Tennessee. As an intern in UT's athletic event management department, he assisted with game operations, coordinated hospitality logistics and served as a key contact for officials. He also held leadership roles for several sports and was assistant tournament manager for NCAA postseason events hosted on campus.
 
"Since their arrival, Anna and Pierce have impressed me with their enthusiasm, passion, and work ethic to succeed in this profession," Grimm said. "They have both developed a deep affinity for Belmont and laid the foundations for many strong relationships within the Bruin Club community with our wonderful supporters. Additionally, they have showcased their ability to serve as model teammates with colleagues in athletics, university advancement, and across Belmont's campus. These hires illustrate the University's commitment to the continued growth and prosperity of Belmont Athletics."
 
Reporting to associate athletic director Steve Barrick, Smalling will play a lead role in facility management and game operations at E.S. Rose Park.
 
Smalling, a native of Thompson Station, Tennessee, earned his bachelor's degree from Belmont University, gaining valuable experience in athletic administration outside of campus at both Vanderbilt and Middle Tennessee. Apart from serving in a football operations support capacity, Smalling also worked within the Vanderbilt office for student-athlete success, aiding the transition from the playing field to the work force.
 
"Austin has earned this opportunity through his work ethic and dedication during his recent graduate assistantship," Barrick said. "His institutional knowledge, as well as established relationships with Belmont coaches, administration, campus security, and event services will be assets for our department."
 
Speller, Smith, and Smalling are all products of the Belmont MSA program.
 
Reporting to head athletic trainer Kim Anderson, Winfield will serve as primary athletic training contact for Belmont volleyball and men's tennis.
 
Winfield earned his bachelor's degree from Shippensburg University and comes to Belmont after serving as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Appalachian State University. The Orbisonia, Pennsylvania native worked with several Mountaineers teams, including football, baseball, and field hockey. He provided athletic training support at Sun Belt Conference championships, North Carolina are high schools, and EMS first responder services. He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) and holds numerous certifications.
 
"Kole brings a wealth of experience and proven care for student-athletes at a number of levels," Anderson said. "His time at Appalachian State working with a number of sports proved invaluable and provides a foundation and seamless transition to his assignments here at Belmont."