NORMAL – Redbird Track & Field high jumper Kameesha Smith was named Missouri Valley Conference Athlete of the Week following her season best performance at the Iowa State Classic last weekend.
This is the second time Smith has received the award this season. High jump Coach Daniel Gooris attributes the energy Smith brings to the team as a reason for her success.
“She’s a dynamic athlete,” said Coach Gooris. “she brings that energy and everyone else gets confident.”
Smith and the Redbirds are aiming to repeat as Missouri Valley Conference champions at the indoor conference meet in two weeks. Following strong meets at Nebraska, Notre Dame, and Iowa State the team is poised to defend their title.
“They all feed off each other’s energy,” said Coach Gooris. “I’ve seen really good improvement and they’re always gamers when it comes to conference championships.”
This weekend the Redbirds will be divided between meets at Eastern Illinois, Notre Dame, and Washington. While the conference lineup is mostly set, this weekend is all about strengthening their marks for the conference or national championship meets.
The Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championships will begin February 29th at 9:30 a.m.