Shawnee State University

Selfless would be the proper word to describe Kelli Smith, who took on any role asked of her throughout her four seasons inside the Shawnee State women’s basketball program – whether it be a supporting cast role or a lead role. 

Smith made 138 three-point field goals across three seasons, posted no less than 40 assists in a single-season and averaged at least 2.6 rebounds in each of her first three years as a reliable two-way threat. She helped Shawnee State claim a 31-2 overall record – and Shawnee State’s first-ever national championship with the women’s basketball program winning the 1999 NAIA National Championship in women’s basketball. Playing and starting in all 30 contests the next season, Smith was tremendous talent and averaged 17.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 steals on 45.8 percent shooting and a 38.9 percent mark from three-point range, leading Shawnee State to a 28-2 overall record and a second round berth in the NAIA National Tournament. 

Smith was named as the 1999-2000 American Mideast Conference Player of the Year and a 1999- 2000 First-Team All-AMC honoree as well as a 2000 NAIA All-American. Smith ultimately finished with 1,194 points for her college basketball career, made 206 three-pointers and started 98 out of the 111 games that she played in.