FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University senior women’s basketball guard Crystal Smith|Richmond is this week’s Longwood Female Athlete of the Week. The 5-8 starter had a career day in the squad’s only game last week at Virginia Tech on December 1. She notched a personal-best five, three-point baskets en route to a game- and season-high 26 points for the Lancers. She also made a season-high, seven free throws (70%) in the outing and logged a career-high 40 minutes played. Smith is currently second on the team with an average of 13.7 points and leads the squad with 30 assists through the first seven games of the season
Question and Answer Session with Crystal Smith
Q: What did you do to spark a season-high, 26-point performance at Virginia Tech?
A: I think I was just more confident in my shot than I’ve been all year.
Q: How does it feel to be a veteran leader on such a young team?
A: Sometimes it’s kind of hard because you have to concentrate on doing well all the time so people can follow your lead, but it’s pretty cool to lead a group of freshmen that are so talented.
Q: Do you find yourself giving any advice to the younger players?
A: Yes, I try to help Daeisha (Brown) out at the point guard position because she’s kind of new to the position. I try to tell her little things to do that will make her better.
Q: Which of your teammates do you most look up to?
A: Chelsea (Coward) because she’s been leading our team all year. She works hard every day at practice and goes hard all the time.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to a young athlete?
A: Work hard ever day and enjoy it because when your senior year comes you’re going to realize that you will miss playing basketball.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Longwood Basketball?
A: My favorite thing is that people underestimate us, so we’re always the underdog, but I feel like we’re going to end up shocking a lot of people.
Q: Why did you choose Longwood?
A: Because it’s close to home and I liked the coaching staff.
Q: What’s your favorite Longwood tradition?
A: Spring Weekend
Q: What’s the most memorable moment of your career so far?
A: The announcement that Longwood got into the Big South because it gave me something to look forward to my senior year.
Q: Are you looking forward to the Big South schedule?
A: Yes. I think we should do pretty well. We play a lot of strong teams outside of the conference, so it kind of prepares us to be ready for our conference play.
Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: I say a prayer during the National Anthem
Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
A: For myself, I want to limit my turnovers and rebound more. As a team, I would like us to make it to the Big South Conference Tournament final.
