Graziani passes associate head coach Nick Smith for career steals record

By Madison Kasper •

PHOTO BY MADISON KASPER
Nick Smith, associate head coach, helps Dallas Graziani, leadership graduate student, warm up before the NCAA South Region Championship against Alabama-Hunstville on March 18, 2025.

During a top 25 rematch of last year’s NCAA Division II Elite Eight against Assumption, Dallas Graziani, leadership graduate student, broke the program record for career steals previously held by Nick Smith, associate head coach and former player from 2017-2022.

Graziani said the achievement was more meaningful because Smith was the one who held the record before him.

“He’s a Shark legend. So, to be up there, it’s kind of impressive, and I’m happy about that,” Graziani said.

As a senior, Smith took the steals record during the 2021-22 season. He said he is proud of Graziani and the player he has become.

“Records are meant to be broken, and he’s been such a huge part of our success over the last few years, and I’m happy for him,” Smith said.

Smith said Graziani is not focused on accolades and just wants to win the next game.

“What stands out is just his pure love for the game, his attitude for the game. As a coach, you want to win so badly, and all you want is your players to want to win as badly, and Dallas is that kid,” Smith said. “You want to coach the kind of kid that takes losing personally.”

Graziani credits his teammates for helping him earn this accomplishment.

“Maybe I’m the one getting the steals, but they’re the ones putting me in a position to either get a back tap or just make a play,” Graziani said. “Even though it’s an individual accomplishment, it’s a team accomplishment. If our defense wasn’t good, I wouldn’t be getting as many steals.”

Graziani believes he has benefited from Smith’s legacy through the program, both as a player and a coach.

“He was here when Coach Crutchfield first got here, and they were building up the program, and I got here when it was already kind of established,” Graziani said. “And so, I think him playing here before me, me playing with him, and now him still coaching here while I’m playing. I think all of that has helped me a lot.”

Graziani said that he has had a brotherhood with Smith for a long time and loves their relationship.

“I always have that respect for him and love him as a player and a coach so it’s just kind of an honor to be up there with him.” Graziani said.