From beginning her journey with swimming & diving at 11-years-old to early morning and evening practices in high school and, finally, ending her journey at War Memorial pool at Virginia Tech, Sara Smith's fierce determination and grit earned her a spot in this year's hall of fame induction.
Her Journey at Virginia Tech
Over her four years as a collegiate athlete, Smith became a six-time ACC champion, earned All-America honors in 2007 in the 100-yard freestyle, placed 11th in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2008 Olympic Trials and concluded her career with ACC records in both the 50 and 100-yard freestyle. Most notably, she was the first woman in ACC history to break 22 seconds in the 50-yard freestyle (21.96).
After being part of a small team at her high school and often attending meets alone, she found not only success but a community of teammates and fellow Hokies to support her.
"When I went to school, you walk around campus and over 50% of people are wearing Virginia Tech T-shirts," Smith said. "I don't think I've quite experienced that anywhere else, because everyone is just really proud to be part of Virginia Tech and be a Hokie, but are also just down to earth, real people."
Smith carried her appreciation for Virginia Tech throughout the years – whether through the friends that she made or through her hard work and determination that nudged her into her veterinary career, Smith credits her work ethic and perseverance to swimming.
Connecting the Dots
Though Smith now practices veterinary medicine and is several years removed from her time at Virginia Tech and competitive swimming, her mark on the program remains.
Despite Smith remaining pretty humble about her time at Tech, former head swimming & diving coach Ned Skinner emphasizes how Smith's impeccable performances help put the team on the map, led to competing at a swimming facility in Christiansburg and, ultimately, helped the team become a true contender in the ACC.
"She had talent – beautiful talent, and a will that maybe I've never coached," Skinner said. "I would put her in the upper 1% of my career for sheer determination and will."
Ultimately, Skinner remembers how Smith took the sport seriously, understanding the impact that strength training had on her ability to perform well. When she put her mind to something, she would see it through to the end.
Now, Smith channels the same fiery spirit in the medical field. After attending NC State for veterinary school, she traveled all over the country as she also pursued a sub-specialty in her field.
Little did she know, she was in for a surprise this summer from her glory days.
Coming Back 'Home'
Rewind to June 2022 – Smith stands in the FedEx parking lot, retrieving a package she wasn't home to sign for when she opens it, finds a letter and begins to read.
"So, it comes as this letter and it's like the first sentence, 'Dear Sara, it's my pleasure to inform you that you've been selected for induction into the Virginia Tech sports hall of fame,'" Smith said. "And I'm literally in the parking lot of this FedEx office, because I had to go get it because I wasn't here to sign for it at my door. And I almost dropped to the ground. It's such an honor."
As Smith prepares to celebrate her accomplishments, she reflects on her progress as a swimmer and remembers senior year as the peak of her career, commenting that it can be tough for some women to continue to improve during their collegiate careers.
Smith also reflects on the importance of being a woman and a swimmer in this year's induction.
"When you get to the more Olympic sports, so swimming & diving, track & field and wrestling – the ones that maybe don't get quite as much publicity and having a woman make it is really quite an honor," Smith said.
Currently residing in Colorado, Smith will now get the chance to return to Tech to be acknowledged for her achievements and can return home knowing that her spot in the hall of fame is secure.
Writing HERstory Campaign
Coinciding with Women's History Month in March and the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Virginia Tech Athletics launched a multi-platform brand campaign celebrating the incredible achievements of its female student-athletes, both past and present, while inspiring the next generation of women who aspire to achieve their dreams through athletics. In partnership with Truist, Tech will share stories of its past and current female student-athletes over the course of the calendar year. Ranging from podcast interviews to feature stories and more, the incredible moments and achievements by women over the years in Virginia Tech Athletics will be celebrated.
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