South Puget Sound Community College is proud to recognize Clipper Men's Basketball Head Coach Zach Smith was named the NWAC West Region Coach of the Year.

"It feels good to be recognized, but the first thing that goes through my mind is the players and the coaches that got us here," said Smith about being voted as the Coach of the Year. "There're so many things behind the scenes that make our program run and I'm grateful for them because I don't get that award without them. It's great to be recognized and I know my name is on the award, but it's a team effort and program award."

The Clipper Men's Basketball program finished the season with an overall 23-6 record, their best finish in over five years, and with an 11-2 record in the West Region that clinched a share of the West Region title with Lower Columbia. The Clips qualified as the second seed from the West to the NWAC Basketball Championships, their third consecutive tournament appearance under Coach Smith. Additionally, Smith recorded his 50th win as Clippers head coach this season with a win against defending champion, Green River.

"Coach Smith, he was one of few coaches who believed in me. He's a leader and a man I look up to, as a player and coach I want to be eventually. He deserves it; he works hard and puts in the work that no one sees. Also shoutouts go out to our assistant coaches, [Michael] Wade and Ant[thony Briggs Jr.], he couldn't have done it without them," said Sophomore Point Guard Quincy Linton.

Congrats on this achievement, Coach Smith!