What It Takes to Build a Dynasty: Mike Smith on Systems, Identity, and Relentless Growth in Elite Running | Exclusive Lessons From Coaching NAU, Galen Rupp, Nico Young, Donavan Brazier + More

Final Surge: (RUNNINGEFFECT20) He built a dynasty in Flagstaff, and now, Mike Smith is bringing that same fire to Nike’s Swoosh Track Club. After nearly a decade at the helm of Northern Arizona University, where he built a dynasty that captured five NCAA men’s cross country titles and earned him 41 Big Sky Coach of the Year honors , Smith made headlines in 2025 when he left collegiate coaching to join Nike’s professi