Indianapolis, Ind. – Former Centenary gymnast Tavia Smith, a 2019 graduate, has been awarded a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.
The NCAA awards up to 126 postgraduate scholarships annually with 21 men's and 21 women's presented each of the fall, winter and spring sports. The $10,000 scholarship is available for use in an accredited graduate program.
Smith, a Frisco, Texas native, had a decorated career for the Ladies as she was named a Scholastic All-American by the National Association of Gymnastics Coaches, named to the All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference team, earned Midwest Independent Conference Academic All-Conference status, and was named an MIC Scholar Athlete and an NACGC/W Scholastic All-American, as she was one of 97 gymnasts in the nation to finish the year with a 4.0 GPA as a freshman in 2016.
"I honestly cannot believe that I am being awarded such a prestigious award," said Smith. I am speechless and I am honored and so blessed to be receiving this opportunity."
"I cannot thank the people who poured into my life enough--my parents, my teammates, Coach Jackie, Coach Morgan, Coach Syl, Dr. Chirhart, and the rest of the Centenary faculty. Their constant belief in me, encouragement, and tough love have made all this possible.
"The professors of Centenary College were the spark that reignited my love for learning. They answered the questions I didn't even know needed to be asked. Their passion for their respective fields of study made me want to soak up every drop of the knowledge they passed on; I sought not just to hear it, but to understand it as well," said Smith.
"Obtaining a liberal arts education allowed me the space to think outside of my comfort zone and expand my mind in more ways than I could have ever imagined. The rigor of Centenary's biology department forced me to challenge myself in new ways. Although I did not take the easiest route to my chosen career path, my professors and advisor never wavered in their support of my pursuit of education. Centenary has built a strong foundation for my continued pursuit of knowledge into the future."
"Centenary athletics has changed my life for the better," said Smith.
Smith will be attending TWU-Dallas this fall to pursue a degree in physical therapy. Her goal is to get the opportunity to work with collegiate student-athletes after graduation in 2023.
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