April 1, 2008
Find out more on Jenna at www.jennasmith13.com
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- University of Illinois sophomore Jenna Smith was named an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press Tuesday afternoon. Smith becomes the fourth Illini in program history to earn postseason All-America accolades and the first since Tauja Catchings was an honorable mention pick by the AP in both 1999 and 2000.
Prior to Smith and Catchings, Ashley Berggren was a three-time All-American for the Orange and Blue in the 90's, earning third team honors in 1998 and honorable mention accolades in 1996 and '97. Kendra Gantt was Illinois' first All-American, picking up honorable mention honors in 1982 and '83.
Smith, a first team All-Big Ten selection, had one of the best seasons in school history while leading the Illini to their first 20-win season since 1999-2000. She averaged 18.3 points and 9.4 rebounds, which both rank second in the Big Ten, and racked-up a conference best 16 double-doubles this season. She broke the single-season school record for blocked shots with 59, as well as finishing second on the UI single-season rebounding list (329) and third on the scoring list (640).
The Bloomington, Minn., native was named to the Big Ten Tournament All-Tournament team after leading Illinois to the championship game, averaging 17.3 points per game and nearly breaking the tournament rebounding record. She also earned Most Valuable Player honors at the FIU Thanksgiving Classic after leading the Illini to the tournament crown, and was named Big Ten Conference Player of the Week three times on the season.
Smith, who was named a Regional Finalist for WBCA All-America honors last month, scored double-figures in 34 of 35 games this season and is one of only eight players in the nation to average at least 18.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Smith is one of only three players from the Big Ten honored by the AP, joining Wisconsin senior Jolene Anderson and Ohio State freshman Jantel Lavender, who were also honorable mention selections.
