Aug. 14, 2014
SAN DIEGO -
Deidra Smith is a forward for the San Diego State women's basketball team. A native of Aurora, Colorado, Smith was one of just three Aztecs to appear in all 30 games during the 2013-14 campaign, finishing the season with eight consecutive starts. In the Aztecs' big road victory at San José State last February, Smith notched her first collegiate double-double with career highs of 20 points and 12 rebounds. The rising junior sat down recently to discuss her game, the team and life as a student-athlete.
Describe your game. Can you assess your strengths and areas to work on?
I try to model my game off of Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies and Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both of them have really good footwork and are creative in the post. Both are able to stretch defenses by being able to shoot the mid-range. I feel I am versatile; I am able to post and shoot mid-range shots. Areas I need to improve on are being a better passer out of the post and becoming stronger in the offseason so I can become a better rebounder.
This will be your second season working with head coach Stacie Terry and her staff. What has been the biggest improvement in your game since Coach Terry arrived last summer?
I have become more versatile. I limited myself with just being a traditional back to the basket post player. I was very apprehensive to shoot high post or mid-range shots. The staff helped me to improve my shot and my confidence in my shot so I was able to add mid-range shooting to my game.
How does a young woman from Colorado make the adjustment to San Diego?
I transferred to San Diego State from Boston College, one of the best decisions I made for myself, and I had to adjust from the East Coast to the West Coast. I was kind of high strung and always on the go and I had to adapt to the laid-back lifestyle that comes with San Diego.
Do you have a favorite place to visit in San Diego?
Balboa Park
What do you love about San Diego State? Where is your favorite hangout on campus between classes and practice... and why?
I love the diversity of the campus and the wide variety of classes that are offered. I've had a lot of professors here who are passionate about what they teach and it makes me excited to go to class. I like to hang out at the Center for Intercultural Relations in the student union because there's always a meeting or workshop about a culture and I get to learn about them. Dr. Stark is one of the nicest and funniest people on campus and I like to go up there and talk to her.
What other interests or hobbies do you have?
I really like to read. I reread The Autobiography of Malcolm X and I just started Slavery By Another Name.
Superstitions are different for every player, what are some of yours prior to a game?
I like to meditate.
What advice would you give to a high school student looking to be a college athlete?
Listen to coaches and take criticism just as well as you take praise. Academics are important and take a chance to take classes that interest you even if they are challenging. Athletes are made in the off-season work when no one is watching.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a member of the Aztec Basketball family here at SDSU?
I have been able to step out of my shell and be myself. I have been pushed to be a better person not just on the court, but for the rest of my life.