KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Avila University Associate Athletic Director Boyd Pitkin has been named the 2026 recipient of the Robert E. “Ish” Smith Achievement Award by the NAIA. The award was presented at the NAIA Baseball Coaches’ Association Meeting and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the promotion of NAIA Baseball throughout their careers.
The Robert E. “Ish” Smith Achievement Award is one of the NAIA’s highest honors, awarded to those who exemplify unselfish commitment to the growth and integrity of the sport. The award is named in honor of legendary coach Robert E. “Ish” Smith, a NAIA Hall of Fame baseball coach, former president of Greenville College (Illinois), and former president of the International Baseball Association. Smith is widely credited as a key figure in baseball becoming an Olympic sport.
“Coach Pitkin’s impact on NAIA Baseball has been wildly positive,” said Austin Bennett, NAIA Vice President. “As a coach, member of the World Series Tournament Committee, and now an administrator, Boyd has been a servant to all of the NAIA. He has spent more than a decade on the World Series Tournament Committee, ensuring a smooth event for coaches and players, mentoring other committee members, and pushing to make the experience for our teams first class. He is absolutely deserving of this award and recognition.”
Pitkin brings more than three decades of experience in NAIA baseball, having spent 30 years as a coach and 22 years as head coach at his alma mater, Briar Cliff University. During his tenure, he earned two GPAC Coach of the Year honors, surpassed 500 career wins, and led his teams to a NAIA World Series appearance, three sectional championships, three GPAC championships, and a GPAC Tournament championship.
Since 2023, Pitkin has served as Associate Athletic Director at Avila University, where he oversees compliance and eligibility for all 17 Avila varsity sports.
Avila University congratulates Boyd Pitkin on this well-deserved national recognition and thanks him for his continued leadership and service to student-athletes and NAIA athletics.