Stephanie Smith joined the UNC Asheville Women’s Swim Team as a strong backstroker. However, she stepped up to the plate and raced numerous IM races for Asheville; proving to be a talented IM swimmer.
Background
Smith grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina with her parents, older brother and younger sister and brother. Smith had an early start to the sport of swimming and was excited to continue her career as a collegiate swimmer.
Freshman Year
Smith earned 2nd place points or better in the 100 backstroke at three regular season dual meets for the Bulldogs. Even more, she was the top point scorer for the Blue and White in the 100 backstroke at four dual meets, earning valuable points. In the 200 backstroke she earned 3rd place points or better at three regular season dual meet for Asheville. At Asheville’s Mid Season Invitational, Smith raced a personal best time in the 400 IM, dropping nearly 20 seconds from her previous best. At the 2015 Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Conference Championships, Smith raced a personal best time in the 200 IM. She dropped a total of seven seconds in the event throughout the season. Smith finished her freshman season with CCSA All-Academic honors.
Sophomore Year
Smith enjoyed an outstanding season for Asheville. She reworked her training to include mid distance freestyle and the 400 IM. Smith had a breakout performance at the 2016 Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association Conference Championships. In the 200 IM Smith’s best time of 2:09.64 was her first time breaking 2:10. In the 400 IM, Smith dropped two full seconds in the morning to qualify for the B final with a time of 4:32.69. She would drop an additional four seconds at night. Smith also qualified for the B final in the 200 backstroke. Her evening time of 2:04.60 was a personal best and scored 10th place points.
Volunteering/Community Outreach
Rocky’s Readers
Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service
Manna Food Back Food Packaging Day
National Women and Girls in Sports Day
Top Times
100 Backstroke 59.14
200 Backstroke 2:04.60
200 IM 2:09.64
400 IM 4:32.69
