All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Former Wesleyan soccer star named Alliance FC head coach

Daniel Smee soccer
Daniel Smee during his playing days at WVWC.

Former West Virginia Wesleyan College men’s soccer standout Daniel Smee has joined the West Virginia Alliance FC as head coach for the 2019 season.

“We are excited to announce that Daniel will be leading our club for the 2019 season,” said owner Joe Johns. “Daniel has an impressive record of success both as a player and as a coach. l have the utmost confidence that he will lead the West Virginia Alliance FC successfully.”

A native of Newcastle, England, Daniel played soccer professionally in the Scottish Premier League for Gretna PC from 2006-2008. Following his time there, Daniel won a National Championship with Tyne Metropolitan College in the UK before pursuing a collegiate career in the USA.

He ended up at West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he would go on to be a three-year captain and both an Athletic and Academic All-­American. He was also named to the All-Conference and All-­Region squads in all three seasons that be played.

Following his collegiate playing career, Daniel was a pivotal member of our club, the West Virginia Chaos, from 2013 to 2016. He remains the only player to record a goal for the club in US Open Cup competition.

Daniel began his coaching career at Slippery Rock University. There, he served as the Men’s Soccer Graduate Assistant for the fall of 2013 and 2014 seasons, as well as filling in as the Interim Head Coach for the spring semester of 2014.

After his time at Slippery Rock University, Daniel moved to Charleston to coach youth soccer. Shortly after, be returned to collegiate coaching landing a position as the Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach at Lees­-McRae College for the 2015 season.

Thereafter, Daniel returned to West Virginia Wesleyan in the fall of 2016 to serve as the Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach.

Following his time at Wesleyan, Daniel returned to Charleston to serve as the Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach at the University of Charleston. At the University of Charleston, Daniel is an integral member of the staff that was recognized as both Regional and National Coaching Staff of the Year for 2017.

Also during ms time at University of Charleston, the program won two regular season conference championships, a conference tournament, a regional title and the 2017 NCAA Division II National Championship.

“This club, formerly the West Virginia Chaos, has had a place in my heart since I played here in 2013, so I am excited to be coaching the West Virginia Alliance FC following the recent rebrand. We are competing in a tough Great Lakes Division within the USL League Two. It’s a fresh start for the club and I’m delighted to be involved in helping it move forward” said Smee.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 19, 2026

Buckhannon’s week of Jan. 19 includes MLK Day closures (waste collection still on schedule), curbside recycling pickup Tuesday at 6 a.m., and a Consolidated Public Works meeting Thursday with in-person and virtual options.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists middle and high school basketball, wrestling, and college matchups for Jan. 19–25, highlighted by multiple Buckhannon-Upshur and West Virginia Wesleyan contests.

Basketball ‘Cats gain first win off the year as they beat West Virginia State, 97-91

West Virginia Wesleyan earned its first win of the season, defeating West Virginia State 97-91 behind Jerell Jean-Baptiste’s 32 points, hot three-point shooting, and a 30-of-37 performance from the free-throw line.

Wesleyan women use strong second half to pull away from Yellow Jackets for 86-67 win

Wesleyan erupted for 33 third-quarter points and shot 55.2 percent overall to defeat West Virginia State 86–67, led by Emma Witt’s 31 points, as the Lady Bobcats improved to 8–4 (6–3 MEC).

Buckhannon honors 99-year-old Rosie the Riveter with key to the city

Buckhannon honored 99-year-old Neva Lee Reed Snyder, a WWII Rosie the Riveter who helped keep American aircraft flying, with the city’s highest honor: the key to the city. Unable to attend, family accepted as Mayor Robbie Skinner praised her courage, patriotism and legacy.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette

Olivia Blonn and Xavier Robinette have been named Hank Ellis All-Stars for their outstanding performances in wrestling and basketball.

Upshur County recovers $300,000 in taxes as delinquent property owners beat deadline

Upshur County officials say most delinquent 2024 property tax accounts were paid before the Nov. 1 deadline. Chief Tax Deputy Heather Sparks outlined what was redeemed and how taxpayers can still reclaim property through the State Auditor’s Office.

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.