Lady Jacket BB Signs Belgrade Forward (May 20, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings women’s basketball coach Kevin Woodin announced Friday that Jen Smith of Belgrade, Mont., has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Yellowjackets next year.  Smith will graduate next month from Belgrade High School where she was a four year high honor roll student and a four time academic all-state selection.

“I am very excited to have Jen join our Yellowjacket family,” said Woodin.  “She is an outstanding student-athlete who has the versatility to play both inside and on the perimeter.  She will bring great intensity, strength, and determination to our program and I am looking forward to working with her.”

Smith was a four year letter winner in both basketball and softball at Belgrade HS.  She was a three time all-conference selection in basketball and was named the Panthers’ team MVP three times.  As a senior she averaged 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds a game and was named to the Central A All-Tournament team. 

In softball, Smith was a three time all-conference selection and two time team MVP.  She earned honorable mention all-state honors at third base as a freshman and was named to the Class A All-State first team at third in her junior season. 

“MSU Billings provided me the opportunity to earn a degree in education and continue my basketball career,” said Smith of her decision to join the Yellowjackets.  “I felt very comfortable with Coach Woodin and his program.  I liked the smaller campus, and the location will allow me to stay close to my family.”