Finding lasting love in a MSU Texas computer lab, Smiths enjoying return to Wichita Falls
Leonard and Katie Smith didn’t appear to be on a collision course when they began their college journey far away from Wichita Falls. Leonard, who attended high school in Frisco, went to Tulsa University on a soccer scholarship, and Katie, from Arlington, started off at Baylor University.
They transferred to MSU Texas for individual reasons. They found a home on campus and found each other in 2014. Fast forward 10 years, and they are married and working in Wichita Falls, Len with the MSU women’s soccer program and Katie teaching at Fowler Elementary.
“Len and I always knew of each other from friends of friends. However, one particular night, we ran into each other at a hockey game; he was there for MSU soccer, and I had gone with a group of MSU cheerleaders," Katie said. "Next, we saw each other at the local Stripes gas station. Following that, we ran into each other again at a gathering of friends. We both felt it was fate running into each other three times in one night.”
Katie earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Spring 2015, while Len earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Fall 2015 and his Master of Education in Summer 2023. They married in 2019. They returned to Wichita Falls when Len was hired on the coaching staff for women’s soccer. “We both enjoyed Wichita Falls as students, and we knew returning we would still experience the same loving environment,” Katie said.
Sports was a love for both as well. Len was playing soccer, and Katie was part of the cheer team. “I loved to support
him,” she said. “I would attend the games with a large ‘fat head’ of his face and run up and down the sidelines when he would score!”
She still enjoys the “cheerleader” role when she attends the MSU Texas women’s soccer games as Len coaches.
Prior to dating, the two would see each other at the Clark Student Center computer lab. “Both of us would intentionally enter the computer lab to catch the other’s eye but not say anything.” To this day, she said Len claims she hit on him first.
Len’s favorite athletic memories from that time are games under the lights at Mustangs Park. Katie has fond memories of basketball home games against then-conference rival Tarleton State. “That environment was always one-of-a-kind and so exciting, especially when MSU would win!”
Ten years after their first meeting, the Smiths are cheering on life’s victory — together!
