University of Central Arkansas Volleyball Player Robyn Smith Named Candidate For NCAA Woman Of The Year
INDIANAPOLIS - Former University of Central Arkansas volleyball standout Robyn Smith has been selected as the Southland Conference's candidate for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. She was one of 131 student-athletes recognized from all three divisions, cut down from 452 nominees.
The NCAA Woman of the Year award, now in its 20th year, honors female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate career in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, community service and leadership.
"What a great honor for Robyn," said UCA Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator Natalie Shock. "She has been the definition of what it means to be a student-athlete. Besides being a great student and a tremendous athlete, Robyn found the time to do a large amount of community service and serve on numerous committees. What a fitting way to end her career."
Smith, a setter from Lubbock, Texas, holds the Sugar Bear record with 5,148 career assists and 11.59 assists per set. She is only the player to lead the Southland in assists for three consecutive seasons. Smith was a three-time All-Southland Conference First Team and Academic All-SLC selection. She was named the 2006 Southland Freshman of the Year and the Setter of the Year in 2008 and 2009.
Smith was selected to the NCAA Leadership Conference in 2009. She also served on the University's Athletics Committee and as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Smith graduated from UCA with a degree in Physical Therapy in the spring of 2010.
"I am very proud of Robyn," said head volleyball coach Steven McRoberts. "She was a great player, teammate, and an even better person when she played for us the past four years. She is extremely deserving of this honor.
Later this month, a selection committee composed of representatives from NCAA member schools and conferences will select 10 nominees from each division to form the Top 30. The selection committed will narrow down the Top 30 to three finalists from each division. From the nine remaining finalists, the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select the national winner. The recipient will be annoucned during the 2010 Woman of the Year dinner in Indianapolis on October 17.
