AVCA/Sports Imports National Player of the Week

Sept. 30, 2002

Mary Lauren Smith, University of Missouri
Jr., Outside Hitter, 6-1 (Atlanta, Ga. - Central H.S.)

Mary Lauren Smith, a 6-1 junior outside hitter for No. 21 University of Missouri (13-1), has been chosen the AVCA/Sports Imports Division I National Player of the Week for leading the Tigers to wins over two ranked Big 12 Conference opponents this past week. Smith recorded back-to-back 20-kill matches against then-No. 20 Texas A&M and then-No. 23 Colorado. She hit .394 and registered two blocks against the Aggies, following that outing with a .432 hitting effort and three blocks against the Buffs. She averaged 4.44 kills per game and attacked at a .413 clip (40-11-70) for the week. Smith’s performances earned her Big 12 Conference Player of the Week honors as well.