By Ryan Libby |Staff Writer|

Camille Smith, a CSUSB two time All-American senior volleyball player obtains an intense style of play and defensive stands that creates dominance and momentum on the court.

Momentum, that carried them all the way to a 32-1 record last season with their only loss against Concordia State in the NCAA championship game.

Smith, despite having won numerous awards still has goals set up for herself this season.
“Personally my goal is to make sure that I’m a great leader and take responsibility for my teammates,” said Smith.

The Coyotes have a younger team than last season, with thirteen of the twenty players on the roster being freshman or sophomores.

“We do have a young team as everyone has probably noticed by now, but just basically make sure that I’m able to help them learn how to play Coyote volleyball and learn to know what it’s like to win and also know what it’s like to come back from defeats and just basically [help them] become a better volleyball player,” said Smith.

She along with the team have some unfinished business and a thirst for the NCAA division two title this season.
“As a team, we want to win. Obviously we want to take that CCAA title again, that would be nice for me to finish off my five years here with that,” said Smith.

“We would love to make it to the postseason, if not win the postseason.”

Winning the CCAA title has not been the only goal lingering on Smith’s mind.

She wants to play beach volleyball professionally after her career here at CSUSB.

When asked about who would be her ultimate partner of the two multiple time gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, Smith said Misty May.

“No offense to Kerri Walsh, she’s a stud, but Misty May kind of resembles me in a way. She’s smaller like I am, she’s 5’9, she was a setter in college.

“She’s just an all-around amazing athlete and I feel I can relate to her physically in a lot of ways and I know she’s competitive so obviously I can relate to that,” said Smith.

However, before she endeavors into professional beach volleyball she wants to play indoor volleyball overseas.
Smith is an all-around athlete having participated in soccer, track, swimming, basketball and softball before giving it all up to play volleyball.

Aside from all of the goals that Smith has for herself on the volleyball court, she is kind spirited, always wears a smile and enjoys working out, lifting weights and running.

Smith works hard off and on the court but in school as well. Being a student athlete here at CSUSB has its perks, but it also has its difficulties.

“Time management has to be the hardest,” Smith said when talking about the hardest part about being a student athlete.
As far as the best part of being a student athlete, Smith is able to lay back and enjoy the fame.

“Playing the sport and having all of the fans at the school know who you are, know you play volleyball and being really friendly with everyone. It gives me an opportunity to meet a lot of people,” said Smith.

Being one of the best players on the team has allowed Smith’s popularity on campus to soar.

Despite it all, however, she remains humble and friendly.

Smith and the rest of her Coyote teammates play their next home game at the Coussoulis Arena Wednesday Oct. 10 and would enjoy having all of the students and staff members there to support them.