June 8, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
Her biography continues to grow by the day. In fact, Illinois State's Amber Smith has accomplished more in her freshman season with the Redbird softball team than several student-athletes do in their entire careers. Smith added yet another accolade to her arsenal this week, as the designated player was named as an Easton-Bell Sports Second Team All-American. With this honor, Smith becomes the first Illinois State student-athlete at the Division I level to achieve multiple all-America honors in their rookie season.
This is Smith's second all-America honor, as she was awarded NFCA Division I All-America Third Team honors last week. Picking up the second all-American title of her career in just her first year at ISU, Smith is the first rookie in the history of the Redbird softball program to ever reach such heights. Additionally, Smith was one of just five freshman honored on the three Easton-Bell Sports teams.
Redbird head coach Melinda Fischer is not surprised that numerous organizations are recognizing Smith.
"This is another great honor for Amber," said Fisher. "She is in a list of phenomenal athletes in this Easton program. She had such a tremendous year as a freshman for us and it's always good to see that rewarded. Amber has a great spirit and she will continue to be successful at Illinois State.
The Fairfield, Calif., native had an unprecedented season for a Missouri Valley Conference freshman in 2006, falling just one home run short of tying the MVC/ISU single-season standard (18), and one short of the Redbird single season RBI record of 51. Additionally, Smith, who started all 54 games this season, is the only player in ISU softball history to amass at least 40 hits, 40 runs and 40 RBI in a season. The six-footer, who led the `Birds in nearly every power category, also led the league in RBI, home runs and bases on balls. All season, Smith ranked among the nation's elite in home runs per game and RBI per game.
"This is just an unbelievable feeling," said Smith. "It feels really good to be recognized like this but I didn't go out on the field to try and break records. I never look at these things as something that I, individually, have achieved; it's always a team effort. I just had an amazing time with my team and they were behind me the whole time, pushing me."
Smith's list of accomplishments is impressive to say the least. In 2006, she was named to the NFCA Great Lakes Region First Team and the All-Valley First Team, while also being recognized as the conference's Newcomer of the Year. She was named the Valley Player of the Week twice last season, on April 10 and again on May 8. Smith established five new freshman standards and her 2006 numbers also put her in the top five on the following ISU single season charts - slugging percentage, walks and runs scored. In fact, Smith will enter the 2007 campaign needing just eight more home runs in order to tie the ISU career mark for round-trippers.
Only players from teams that are sponsored by Easton are eligible for Easton-Bell all-America honors. The only other Missouri Valley player recognized by Easton was Creighton's Lauren Cisneros, who was named to the Easton-Bell Sports 2006 All-American Third Team.
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