Marshall University Athletics
Will Smith Hired As General Manager of Thundering Herd Sports Properties
7/10/2025 10:00:00 AM | General, Big Green Scholarship Foundation, Ticketing & Promotions
Marshall graduate returns to lead Herd’s Corporate Sponsorship Team
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Athletics announced the addition of Will Smith as the General Manager of Thundering Herd Sports Properties on Thursday.
Smith, a 2017 Marshall graduate, returns home to serve as the leader of the Thundering Herd's Corporate Sponsorship Team, bringing added connectivity to the community within the corporate realm.
"I am incredibly honored to return to Marshall and lead the Thundering Herd Sports Properties team," Smith said. "This University and community hold a special place in my heart, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to come back home and reconnect with business leaders, partners and fans across the Tri-State region to help strengthen their connection to Marshall Athletics."
Smith returns to Marshall where he worked in several capacities, including a previous stint in 2021-22 with Thundering Herd Sports Properties as Senior Manager and General Manager of the Learfield-based sales team.
"I am very excited to welcome back Will and have him lead our team at Thundering Herd Sports Properties," said Chris Bloomfield, VP of Sports Properties for Learfield. "Will is a proud Marshall alum, and his prior experiences with Marshall Athletics and Learfield make him the ideal fit as our next General Manager. I know he's eager to re-engage with businesses throughout the Huntington Tri-State region to help them connect with passionate Marshall fans."
Smith's position with Thundering Herd Sports Properties is one of several that he has been part of with Marshall University and Marshall Athletics.
From 2019-2021, Smith served as Director of Philanthrophy and Major Gifts Officer for The Marshall University Foundation, serving on a team responsible for more than $176 million in funds for the 'Marshall Rises' comprehensive campaign.Â
Smith also worked as Assistant Director of Ticketing and a Ticket Account Executive from 2016-19, giving him a broad knowledge of the inter-workings of Marshall Athletics, as well as personal relationships with co-workers, which helps bolster the chemistry of the staff.
"We are so excited to welcome Will back to our sponsorship team," said Ryan Crisp, Associate Athletic Director for Annual Giving, Ticket Sales and Fan Engagement. "He brings an energy and passion to Marshall Athletics that is unmatched. Our corporate partners are in great hands with a fellow Son of Marshall."
Smith, a Spring Valley graduate, earned his B.A. in Sport Management from Marshall University in 2017 before earning his M.S. in Sport Administration from Arkansas State in 2020.
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