Northern Michigan University senior Jacqueline Smith, top, slams a kill attempt with junior teammate McKenzie Gruner watching during a Wildcats’ home match at Vandament Arena during the 2023 season. (Photo courtesy NMU)

By Journal Sports Staff

MARQUETTE — The awards just keep pouring in for senior outside hitter Jacqueline Smith of the Northern Michigan University volleyball team.

Less than a month ago, the GLIAC named Smith to its First Team for an amazing fifth consecutive season, something possible due to the NCAA granting an extra year of eligibility for athletes participating during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21.

Then early this month, the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association and American Volleyball Coaches Association both named the native of Saint Germain, Wisconsin, to each of its All-Midwest Region First Teams.

Now just in the past week, the AVCA has named Smith an Honorable Mention All-American for the second time.

She also earned this latest honor after her sophomore year in 2022.

In her final year as a Wildcat, Smith helped NMU compile a 20-9 record while becoming the program’s all-time leader in kills with 1,927. On Oct. 5 vs. Upper Peninsula rival Lake Superior State, she broke the previous record of 1,664 held since 1993 by Andrea Gommans during the era of the Wildcats winning back-to-back national championships.

“Once again, Jacqui proves why she is one of the best to have worn a Wildcat jersey,” Northern head coach Mike Lozier said in an NMU Sports Information news release about Smith’s latest award. “Her career is littered with accolades, both team and individual.

“Her legacy was solidified long before being named a two-time AVCA All-American, but I am so proud of what she accomplished in her last season.

“She chose to come back for one more opportunity, and she made the most of it. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to coach both her and all the seniors who are moving on.”

Smith led the GLIAC with 416 kills during this fall’s regular season, also a top-20 mark nationally. She reached at least 20 kills eight times and double figures in 26 of 28 matches, including a career-high 28 kills vs. the Wildcats’ other U.P. rival, Michigan Tech. on Oct. 30.

A multidimensional player, Smith also had 19 digs against MTU in that same match and finished her career with more than 1,000 digs, becoming the 18th Wildcat to accomplish that feat.

She finished the season with 456 kills and a .249 attack percentage, adding in 310 digs, 34 service aces and 38 blocks.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.