Trojan Setter Kaylee Smith Graduates Early with Honors
Kaylee Smith is leaving her undergraduate career at the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo earlier than expected 鈥� and with honors.
Smith, a management major from 糖心视频logo, will graduate this month magna cum laude with a GPA above 3.8 while continuing her volleyball career in the university鈥檚 MBA program.
A setter for the team, Smith said she chose UA 糖心视频logo because it felt like the right fit academically and athletically.
鈥淔rom the beginning, I could see that the program would challenge me in the classroom while also giving me the opportunity to compete at a high level in volleyball,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚 really valued the supportive environment from the coaches, professors, and teammates. It felt like a place where I could grow and be pushed to reach my full potential.鈥�
鈥淚 also liked that I could build strong relationships and not feel like just a number,鈥� she said.
Smith did not originally plan to graduate early, but continued taking courses to challenge herself.
鈥淥ver time, that added up and put me in a position to finish ahead of schedule,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t still took a lot of discipline, time management, and sacrifice, especially balancing academics with being a student-athlete.鈥�
Smith said earning magna cum laude honors and maintaining a GPA above 3.8 made the hard work worthwhile.
鈥淚t鈥檚 something I鈥檓 really proud of, not just because of the recognition, but because of the consistency and effort it took over time,鈥� she said. 鈥淢ore than anything, it gives me confidence going into the next chapter, knowing I was able to push myself and succeed at a high level both in the classroom and on the court.鈥�
This year, Smith was inducted into UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Phi Kappa Phi chapter, the nation鈥檚 oldest collegiate honor society. She was also nominated for Female Scholar of the Year at this year鈥檚 Trojan Top Awards.
鈥淚t represents all the hard work I鈥檝e put in both academically and athletically, and it means a lot to be recognized for balancing both at a high level,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淎s a student-athlete, you鈥檙e constantly working to meet expectations in the classroom and on the court, so this nomination feels like a reflection of that commitment and consistency.鈥�
She added that the recognition helps challenge stereotypes about student-athletes.
鈥溙切氖悠祃ogo have always been a priority for me as well,鈥� she said.
Outside the classroom and volleyball court, Smith serves on the executive board for UA 糖心视频logo鈥檚 Management and HR Society and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was also elected SAAC president for the upcoming school year.
Smith said her favorite memory as a student-athlete was 糖心视频logo鈥檚 five-set victory over Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in its first home conference match last season at the Jack Stephens Center.
鈥淭he energy in the gym was unreal,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he stands were packed, and the intensity was high from the very first point.鈥�
Smith said the match remained close throughout, and the team stayed united through every set.
鈥淕etting that win to start conference play at home, in that kind of environment, is something I鈥檒l always remember because of the atmosphere, the competitiveness, and the way our team stayed together,鈥� she said.
Smith credits professor Phil Harris and athletic trainer Jess Kiser for making a lasting impact on her journey at UA 糖心视频logo.
鈥淚 learned so much in his management classes, but what stood out even more was the mentorship he provided outside of the classroom through the Management and HR Society,鈥� Smith said of Harris. 鈥淗e genuinely cared about helping students grow, not just academically but professionally as well.鈥�
She said Kiser consistently supported student-athletes through injuries and challenges.
鈥淪he was incredibly passionate about her job and truly cared about each of us as athletes and people,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淪he was always there whenever we were dealing with injuries, making sure we were taken care of and supported every step of the way.鈥�
After graduation, Smith plans to use her remaining year of volleyball eligibility to continue playing for the Trojans while pursuing her MBA.
鈥淭his next chapter is a chance for me to keep growing both academically and athletically,鈥� she said. 鈥淐ompeting at a high level while taking on a graduate program will continue to push my discipline, time management, and leadership skills.鈥�
Smith said her biggest advice for future student-athletes is not to underestimate themselves.
鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to underestimate what you鈥檙e capable of when you鈥檙e balancing a full academic and athletic schedule,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut you鈥檙e capable of more than you think if you stay disciplined and committed.鈥�
She also emphasized the importance of resilience and focusing on what can be controlled.
鈥淵ou can鈥檛 control every outcome, but you can control your effort, attitude, preparation, and how you show up every day,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚f you focus on those things, everything else tends to fall into place over time.鈥�