SAN DIEGO – Just 11 dual matches into the spring tennis season, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic cut the 2020 campaign for the San Diego State women's tennis team short. For senior Mia Smith, a four-year letterwinner for the Aztecs, her chance to complete her time donning the Scarlet and Black before graduating from the university ended as well.
With the March 30 decision by the NCAA, Smith was afforded the extension of eligibility for an additional season of competition due to the crisis. The decision by the athletic governing body effectively allowed all senior student-athletes the option to return to San Diego State for an additional year of donning the Scarlet and Black. But while competition on the courts was canceled, efforts in the classroom were not. Smith earned her degree in Economics and graduated from the university earlier this month. With her degree completed, Smith made the decision to transition to life post-collegiate athletics and begin a career in the business world.
Without a proper senior day to celebrate Mia Smith's successes, SDSU Athletics wants to honor the dedication and hard work of her efforts as an Aztec as she will not be returning to campus this fall.
Below is a short capsule of Mia Smith's time on The Mesa.
Mia Smith
Major: Economics
Hometown: Tunbridge Wells, England
High School: Prior Park College
Head Coach Peter Mattera on Smith:
"I am really proud to have had Mia Smith represent the Aztecs for the past four years. She is a tremendous talent, a fantastic student, and has a very engaging personality. Aztec Tennis Nation wishes her all the best in her next step, and I am certain that she is going to do great things as she moves into the business world."
Associate Head Coach Nico Vinel on Smith:
"Mia is someone who has an uncanny ability to achieve anything when she sets her mind to it. I always think back to the way she stepped up and rose to the occasion during last year's conference tournament. I am certain she will use that same amazing quality for even greater success in her life in the future."
Athletic Achievements:
As a Senior
Singles Record: 0-1 (0-1 dual, 0-0 MW), competing once in the No. 4 position … Doubles Record: 3-5 (3-5 dual, 0-0 MW), competing in both the No. 1 and No. 3 doubles spot with partners Abbie Mulbarger and Alicia Melosch … Competed in two of the three fall tournaments for the Aztecs.
As a Junior
Singles Record: 8-11 (4-5 dual, 1-0 MW), splitting time between the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 positions … Doubles Record: 12-13 (8-7 dual) … Competed in all three fall tournaments for the Aztecs … Earned MW All-Academic status.
As a Sophomore
Singles Record: 5-6 overall (1-4 dual), played five dual matches in the No. 6 singles position ... Doubles Record: 17-9 overall (12-7 dual) ... Went 12-6 in the No. 1 doubles spot with partner Jenny Moinard ... Competed in all three fall tournaments for the Aztecs ... Earned MW All-Academic status.
As a Freshman
Singles record: 6-14 dual (1-3 MW), playing a majority of her matches in the No. 4 spot ... Went 0-1 vs. nationally-ranked opponents ... Doubles record: 8-9 dual (1-1 MW) when paired with three different teammates ... Participated in fall tournaments for the Aztecs.