March 8, 2004

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- It was announced on Tuesday, March 8 that Providence College junior track star Kimberly Smith (Auckland, New Zealand) was named U.S. Track & Field Coaches Association Northeast Region Female Athlete of the Year. Smith also is a candidate for National Athlete of the Year, which will be announced on Wednesday, March 17.

Smith has had a stellar indoor track season for the Friars as she has set three Providence College records and has qualified for the NCAA Championship in three events. Most recently, Smith competed at the BIG EAST Championship on February 22 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y. Smith was named Most Outstanding Track Athlete as she captured the 3,000 meters in a time of 8:55.88 breaking the Providence College record by over eight seconds, the BIG EAST record by over 17 seconds and the Carrier Dome record by over two seconds.

On February 10 at the Boston University Three-Way Meet, Smith won the mile run in a time of 4:30.61, breaking the PC record by nearly five seconds. Smith also established the PC record in the 5,000 meters on January 31 at the Terrier Classic in Boston, Mass. as she won the race in 15:18.54.

Smith and the Friars will return to competition on March 12-13 at the NCAA Championship in Fayetteville, Ark. Smith will compete in the 3,000 meters and the 5,000 meters.