May 26, 2004

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College junior Kim Smith (Auckland, New Zealand) was named one of four finalists for the Honda Award for track and field on May 24. Smith is one of four nominees for this prestigious award. The other three nominees are Hyleas Fountain of the University of Georgia, Tiffany McWilliams of Mississippi State and Lauryn Williams of the University of Miami. The winner will be announced on May 28. Honda will donate $1,000 to women's athletic fund of each nominee's university. The winner's program will receive $5,000.

Honda presents an award to one female in 12 different NCAA sports. One of the 12 winners will be selected as the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and will receive the Honda-Broderick Cup.

Smith has had impressive indoor and outdoor track seasons for the Friars in 2004. She 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 won the 3,000 meters and anchored the 4 x 800 meter relay team at the BIG EAST Indoor Championship. For her efforts, she was named BIG EAST Most Outstanding Track Performer. In addition, Smith was named Northeast Region Athlete of the Year for the indoor season. On April 23, Smith established her third collegiate record this year when she placed second in the 5,000 meters at the Mt. Sac Relays in Walnut, Calif. Her time of 15:09.72 broke the previous record set in 1985. In her most recent race, Smith won the 10,000 meter title at the BIG EAST Outdoor Track Championship on May 2.

Smith will return to action at the NCAA East Regional Championship in Gainesville, Fla. on Friday, May 28. She will run the 5,000 meters.

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