Bio

An intense competitor, Jennifer Smith played basketball and volleyball with a “take no prisoners” approach to her game. She ranks right up there with Jane Rader in ability and achievements in the two sports.

Although a broken wrist shortened her basketball career, the 5’11” junior produced career statistics in a single season. Her statistics for that year for the twenty game season were spectacular. She had 31 points and 28 rebounds in a single game. She scored 432 points for an average of 21.6 points per game. She pulled down 323 rebounds for a 16.2 per game average. She blocked 16 shots. Her field goals percentage was 47. She made 80 of 127 free throws for 63%. A team player, she had 85 steals and 84 assists for the season. She was awarded First Team recognition for All-Conference, All-County, All-District and The Chronicle Telegram All Star Team. She was named A.P. – Special Mention All-State. U.P.I. – Honorable Mention All State. Lorain Journal Newspaper – County Player of the Week – twice. Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper Player of the Week. Team Offensive Player of the Year. Team MVP for the Year. She was also the team Captain.

Jennifer was equally adept at volleyball. She won three varsity letters and was selected Lorain County’s Miss Volleyball her senior year and was a unanimous choice for the award. Among other awards won her senior year were All-Erie Shore Conference and All-District First Teams. She was the district representative to the State All-Star game. She was conference MVP and the Canon Classic MVP. Under her leadership, the Middies were Erie Shore Champs and earned a regional berth. Coach Faith Riccilli called her a fine leader and “the strongest hitter in the county, by far.” Although a wrist injury prevented her from playing basketball her senior year her accomplishments at Midview ranks her among the school’s all time best.

Jennifer was listed in who’s who in “High School Basketball”. She received scholarship offers from several colleges and universities and decided upon Cleveland State. Her career was shortened because of a broken wrist.

Jennifer lives in Elyria with her husband Steve. They have three children. Jennifer coaches volleyball for school and club teams.