CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sophomore Emily Smith (Rock Hill, S.C./Northwestern) will kick off her spring break by representing the College of Charleston women's track & field team in the Virginia Tech Final Qualifier on Saturday.
Smith claimed her second straight Southern Conference title in the high jump on Feb. 25 with a height of 5'8". Named the SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2009, Smith hit the NCAA Provisional mark of 5'10" at last year's conference championships, setting a school record in the process.
Although she did hit the provisional mark, Smith was not selected to participate in the national championships last year. This year, she travels to Blacksburg, Va. with goals of a new personal record that will be strong enough to earn a trip to the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. on Mar. 12.
"Emily is in great form to hit the mark," head coach Amy Seago said. "She's someone that really steps it up when it counts."
Sixteen athletes are selected to compete in nationals each year. Smith is currently ranked 34th in the country.
