Smith Named EIU Female Athlete Of Year

All-around player Taylor Smith from volleyball has been named the Eastern Illinois Female Senior Athlete of the Year for the 2018-19 academic year  The award is presented by the athletic department to the top senior (completing their eligibility) for their athletic success during their Panther career and most recent academic year.  A list of finalists is announced each April and then voted on following the conclusion of the athletic year.
 
Smith, from Mattoon, Ill., was one of the most versatile players in the nation as she could attack, set, block and defend in several positions for the Panthers team. She twice led the NCAA in triple-doubles for a season and finished second in the NCAA in that category as a senior.  Smith was a two-time first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection during her career.  As a senior she was a second team All-OVC pick as she slid around to help bolster a young team in a variety of positions during the year.  Smith would finish her career with more than 800 kills, 1,900 assists, 1,100 digs and 250 blocks.    
 
Smith was one of five finalists this year for the EIU Female Senior Athlete of the Year Award.  She was joined on the list by Daphne Chang from golf, Pedra Hicks from track, Grace Lennox from basketball and Lauren Oostman from swimming.  The winners of this year’s five EIU Athletic Awards included Smith (Female Senior Athlete of the Year), Alexander Hollins (Male Senior Athlete of the Year), Abby Wahl (Female Newcomer of the Year), Josiah Wallace (Male Newcomer of the Year) and Srishti Slaria (EIU Athletic Director’s Award – presented in April at the Senior Awards Banquet).