Jenni Smith: Taking Spartan Nation With You
11/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
By Tyler Beck, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant
EAST LANSING, Mich.- It can be a daunting task leaving your home to go to college. For Jenni Smith, her journey was a little more challenging than most.The senior fullback is from Kinross Scotland, and had never been to Michigan State before.
"We arrived late at night and had no idea who was picking us up," said Smith. "I didn't know what the (Michigan) Flyer (bus) was. All I knew was that there would be a teammate waiting for me at the bus stop. I didn't know if I was getting on the right bus, and I didn't know what my teammate looked like."
Living in the United States took some adjusting, especially when Smith wanted to go places.
"It was different getting used to driving on the other side of the road and driving on the other side of the car," said Smith. "I would always go to the passenger side and the other person would be like `what are you doing'?"
Smith had been to other parts of the United States, however, before she became a Spartan.
"My parents love traveling, so we went to Florida and to Universal Studios," said Smith. "My dad loves American football, so we'd come out and see the Miami Dolphins or Jacksonville Jaguars.
"I never thought I'd end up wanting to stay here though."
Now Smith doesn't plan to leave.
"When MSU offered me a scholarship...the more I stay here, the less I want to go home," said Smith. "Hopefully I can stay and be a US citizen."
She has made the move well, and found her role as a member of the strong back line for Michigan State.
"Over Jenni's career, she went from being a freshman where she was getting a few minutes, to finishing as a three-year starter in the backfield," head coach Helen Knull said. "Every year, Jenni has been a member of the team, I have seen her contribution level increase - from her leadership and academics, to the quality of her play with goals, assists, and her commitment to be a better player."
The people here are what helped Smith make the transition from Scotland to Michigan. Apparently, Americans aren't all that different from Scots.
"I feel like people are the same," said Smith. "Everyone is open, and people are more welcoming and open. I feel like Americans are less shy than people in Scotland. It's not a bad thing though."
Smith said she gets a lot of attention from her teammates on her Scottish accent. However, she doesn't seem to mind getting a little playful ribbing.
"Oh, (I get teased) all the time," said Smith. "I feel like people will hand me a water bottle and say `oh, read this I just want to hear you talk!' so I'll just stand there reading a water bottle.
"When I go home it's weird because they say I talk like an American. I can't please anyone," said Smith with a chuckle.
Her self-assurance is something that Knull has recognized, and it's a quality that has served her team well.
"Jenni always has an opinion and will share that with the group," said Kull. "She likes nothing more than to have a good time and to win."
Last season, the Spartans won the B1G tournament and made it all the way to the Elite Eight. Smith played a key role that season, leading the team with 11 assists.
"Winning the B1G tournament last year at Ohio State when we beat Iowa in the final was incredible," said Smith. "Just seeing everyone after the game; everyone was lying on the floor, crying, or jumping around and celebrating.
"We were sweating when we got off the bus because we were dancing so much."
This season, Smith is focused more on what she will leave behind for those who will come after she moves on.
"We always talk about leaving our legacy; leaving a footprint and guiding the younger players so they can follow the same path we we're on," said Smith. "As seniors, we always say `earn the jersey'.
"Even though we represent our class, we have to make an impression on the players below us so they can keep improving. If everything is added on, every year we will grow as a program."
Smith will pursue a career in coaching, hopefully in the United States. She plans to take her experiences at Michigan State with her wherever her journey takes her.
"Our team is like a family, we're always together," said Smith. "Even when we're not together, we're always texting. I feel like the chemistry we have, even the whole chemistry of Spartan Nation is different.
"Everyone here is just part of one community. Even if you don't know someone you're still going to say `hi' to them. It's a loving school, and I'll take that with me wherever I go. Wherever you go, you gotta try and take Sparty there."
