The SAAC Student-Athlete Spotlight is a weekly series that will highlight and promote senior Zag student-athletes on and off the playing field. This week's student athlete is Faith Smith from the volleyball team.
 
Faith carries a 3.48 GPA as a kinesiology major with a concentration in fitness and a minor in public relations. She has made Dean's List three times and President's List once during her six semesters at Gonzaga, and she is also the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
 
Smith became just the eighth player in program history to eclipse 2,000 career assists earlier this season, and she currently ranks fourth in assists during the rally scoring era with 2,139. She's also a WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention performer.
 
We caught up with the senior setter from Grass Valley, Calif., to gain some insight on her experience as a student-athlete at Gonzaga.
 
What attracted you to Gonzaga?
The feeling of love, support, and family was stronger than anywhere else I'd ever gone. This place is special and full of amazing people who genuinely care for you.
 
What were your first thoughts/feelings/emotions when competing as a Division 1 athlete for your first time?
I was beyond nervous, yet excited. I couldn't believe I was standing on the court, but as soon as the first whistle blew it was game time. I remember telling myself to trust in the work that I had put in leading up to this point.
 
What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Gonzaga?
My favorite part about being a student-athlete is not only being able to represent my university and play the game I love, but I also get to meet some amazing and hardworking individuals. My fellow teammates and student-athletes make my experience here incredible.
 
What is the biggest challenge as a student-athlete?
The biggest challenge is trying to find a balance. As a student athlete you are trying to do many things at once- physically, academically, and socially. Finding your balance is huge because as soon as I let one thing consume my life I am out of rhythm.
 
What would you say is the hardest part of your sport?
The hardest part of my sport at this level is the mental aspect. Maintaining confidence and differentiating between smarter not harder can be difficult when you are striving for change and results.
 
Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Gonzaga?
As an athlete, you are given so much opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. The community we serve are amazing and inspiring individuals and have impacted my life. We only hope our service can inspire and touch their lives the same way they do ours. Who better to serve then the Spokane community that loves and supports you.
 
If you could go on a vacation, where would you go and why?
I would go to the Bahamas because I've never been and there's nothing I love more than being outside in the water on the white sandy beaches.
 
What is your favorite memory as a Zag?
Student-Athlete Formal
 
Favorite Sports Team?
San Francisco Giants (MLB)
 
Favorite musical artist?
Billy Currington, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Luke Combs
 
Favorite food?
Ice cream
 
Favorite sports-related movie?
Remember the Titans
 
What are you hoping to do with your degree post-graduation?
Regardless of where I am and what I am doing, I would love to work for a company that allows me to make a difference in people's lives- socially, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
 
What does it mean to be a Zag?
Being a Zag means caring for one another as yourself. We are a student body who strives to make an imprint on the world around us. We hold our values close and act with kindness, bravery, and integrity.