Featured in this week’s “Beyond the Spotlight” is sophomore Ava Smith of Wabash, Indiana. Smith is an exercise science major who currently plays as a setter for the Albion College volleyball team.
Although she is from Indiana, Smith knew that getting the opportunity to be a part of an out-of-state team would be the perfect fit for her.
“I came to Albion for my collegiate career because I fell in love with the family atmosphere of the team and campus as a whole,” said Smith. “I also knew I wanted to go out of state for college, and Michigan turned out to be the perfect fit for me.”
This family atmosphere is a dynamic that the team is always striving for, Smith explained.
“We have continued to pride ourselves within our culture of being a family and focusing on volleyball during our season,” said Smith.
Outside of volleyball, Albion has served as a place where Smith has not only been able to grow athletically, but individually.
“Albion has meant for me, growth,” said Smith. “I have grown in ways I didn’t think I could grow. From stepping on campus as a nervous freshman to now being one of the biggest influencers on the volleyball court and classroom,. I set some high expectations for myself and Albion has challenged me to hit all of my goals.”
Smith has seen her growth at Albion come from the unique experiences that she will be able to apply after her time is done at school.
“The many on-campus jobs I have really have impacted me and my future,” said Smith. “Working for athletics – it has opened a window for a possibility to try new things and possibly have a career in these jobs later on.”
Smith and the Albion Britons will begin the MIAA tournament with a game against Alma College at Art Smith Arena on Nov. 5.
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