April 22, 2004

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College junior Kim Smith (Auckland, New Zealand) was named United States Track & Field Coaches Association Division I Female Athlete of the Week on April 20. Smith earned the honor after she placed second in the 5,000 meters at the Mt. Sac Relays on Friday, April 16. Her time of 15:09.72 set a collegiate record for the 5,000. The previous record for the 5,000 of 15:23.03 was set by Kathy Hayes of Oregon in 1985.

In March, Smith was named United States Track Coaches Association Indoor Female Athlete of the Year after she won the 3,000 and 5,000 meter titles at the 2004 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 12-13 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. On March 12, Smith ran the 5,000 meters in a time of 15:14.18, breaking the 13-year-old NCAA record (15:17.28) in that event. The following day, Smith captured the 3,000 meters in a time of 8:49.18 and set an NCAA record, eclipsing the previous mark of 8:53.54 that was set in 1983. Smith became the first Friar to capture two NCAA titles at the same meet. She also was named Northeast Region Athlete of the Year and BIG EAST Most Outstanding Track Performer for the indoor season.

Smith will return to action at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia, Pa. on Friday, April 23 when she will run in the 4 x 1,500 meter relay.

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