Smith is just the second field hockey player to earn back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year honors, and the first since Kelly Cousoulis (Catholic University) did it in 2016 and 2017. Additionally, it is only the second time a River Hawk has been named Defensive Player of the Year.
The graduate student is now a four-time All-Landmark First Team selection as a defender after guiding the River Hawks to a 15-6 record, including a 6-1 mark against Landmark teams. She helped the SU defense post seven shutouts this season and led the league with five defensive saves.