Q&A with Piper Smith
October 10, 2019 | Women's Water Polo, Features
With the new season just a few months away, the Anteaters are preparing to rebound after dropping a close match in the Big West Championship against Hawaii. The team will look to their returners to start strong, one being rising talent Piper Smith. The sophomore made a statement early in her college career by scoring 41 goals, which was the third highest on the team last season. Smith's performance led to a selection on the All-Big West Second Team, as well as the Big West All-Freshman Team.
In this latest segment of our Q&A series, Smith gives credit to her teammates, friends and family for much of her success, and shares about her experience while representing Team USA in Italy this summer. She also talks about her plans for after college, between making an impact on the youth and traveling the world.
Q: Let's start with the experience you shared about earlier this summer. What did it mean to you to be selected to represent Team USA at the World University Games in Italy?
A: Having the opportunity to travel to Italy and represent Team USA at the World University Games was an incredible and unforgettable experience. Not only did I get to travel to an amazing country, but I got to play the game I love along the way. I really appreciated the UCI community support it took to make this happen and I was proud to represent the Anteaters on Team USA.
Q: What was your most memorable experience, from the games and the trip with your family?
A: One of the most memorable experiences from the games was the opening ceremonies. I got to spend my evening surrounded by other students from all over the world who share the same athletic passion as me. As stressful as it is to walk out into a packed stadium full of cheering fans from all over the world, I was reassured that the fans were there to support all nations of fellow athletes and their goals. I feel lucky to have my parents in the crowd. It was heart-warming to feel like I helped them get to take a mini-vacation and travel the world.
Q: You are coming off of a strong freshman season with plenty of accolades. What contributed to the success early in your career?
A: Starting college is a tough transition for anybody but from the second I stepped on campus I was surrounded by a team full of hard-working passionate teammates that made the transition a whole lot easier for me. Having a support system of close teammates and friends made me want to work twice as hard just for them.
Q: Who was the biggest influence in your first season with the Anteaters?
A: Someone in particular I looked up to was Jenna Phreaner, a senior from last year. I was lucky enough to play with her on the same high school team for a year since we are from the same hometown. Unfortunately, last year she injured her hip which prevented her from playing most of the season. After remembering this news every time during a tough game or practice I knew that she would give anything to be in the water and that I should push through and appreciate every opportunity I am given.
Q: With your sister on the swim team at UC Davis, you both must have had some fun summers growing up. Did you both grow up knowing that you wanted to compete in water sports, or did you also have other interests when you were younger?
A: Both my sister and I spent a lot of time in the pool while growing up. My sister has been swimming since she was 6 years old. However I had no clue water polo existed until I started playing in 8th grade. I had tried lots of sports: soccer, tennis, volleyball, dance, softball, swimming and more. You name it, I most likely played it. I have always been fairly tall for my age so luckily I had water polo coaches that saw potential in me despite my late start.
Q: While you are just getting started, what are your aspirations for after you earn your degree in Education Sciences?
A: Throughout high school, I got many opportunities to work in day cares, summer camps, classrooms, as well as many babysitting gigs. I fell in love with teaching and being surrounded by kids who are passionate to learn and hope to give back to the community through education later in life. I also want to help kids find a passion for athletics as I was able to do myself.
Q: Now entering your sophomore year, what advice would you give to future Anteaters?
A: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. UCI is full of many wonderful opportunities that are just waiting to be taken advantage of.
Q: Looks like you've caught the international travel bug early. Where would your next dream vacation be and why?
A: I have a wide range of places I want to eventually visit, but my most thought out dream vacation would be a European backpacking trip. It would take a long time to do it, but it would be a fun way to knock a couple of countries off my list without traveling back to the U.S. every time.
Q: Having traveled to so many countries, what is the best meal that you've eaten?
A: Although I have eaten some pretty exotic meals during my travels, home is where my heart is. I was born and spent most of my childhood in Annapolis, Maryland, so I am a big seafood fan and love steamed Chesapeake Bay blue crab.
Q: Besides water polo and traveling, how do you like to spend your free time? Are there any hobbies that you'd like to take up?
A: When I am not in the pool or on campus, most of my free time is spent by the beach either relaxing or painting with some friends. I have recently tried getting back into surfing and hope to stick to that. I also have a pair of hiking boots I hope to get more use out of in the coming years. My favorite hike I've ever done was the Nevada Falls hike in Yosemite National Park and I hope to one day go back and do it again.
In this latest segment of our Q&A series, Smith gives credit to her teammates, friends and family for much of her success, and shares about her experience while representing Team USA in Italy this summer. She also talks about her plans for after college, between making an impact on the youth and traveling the world.
Q: Let's start with the experience you shared about earlier this summer. What did it mean to you to be selected to represent Team USA at the World University Games in Italy?
A: Having the opportunity to travel to Italy and represent Team USA at the World University Games was an incredible and unforgettable experience. Not only did I get to travel to an amazing country, but I got to play the game I love along the way. I really appreciated the UCI community support it took to make this happen and I was proud to represent the Anteaters on Team USA.
Q: What was your most memorable experience, from the games and the trip with your family?
A: One of the most memorable experiences from the games was the opening ceremonies. I got to spend my evening surrounded by other students from all over the world who share the same athletic passion as me. As stressful as it is to walk out into a packed stadium full of cheering fans from all over the world, I was reassured that the fans were there to support all nations of fellow athletes and their goals. I feel lucky to have my parents in the crowd. It was heart-warming to feel like I helped them get to take a mini-vacation and travel the world.
Q: You are coming off of a strong freshman season with plenty of accolades. What contributed to the success early in your career?
A: Starting college is a tough transition for anybody but from the second I stepped on campus I was surrounded by a team full of hard-working passionate teammates that made the transition a whole lot easier for me. Having a support system of close teammates and friends made me want to work twice as hard just for them.
Q: Who was the biggest influence in your first season with the Anteaters?
A: Someone in particular I looked up to was Jenna Phreaner, a senior from last year. I was lucky enough to play with her on the same high school team for a year since we are from the same hometown. Unfortunately, last year she injured her hip which prevented her from playing most of the season. After remembering this news every time during a tough game or practice I knew that she would give anything to be in the water and that I should push through and appreciate every opportunity I am given.
Q: With your sister on the swim team at UC Davis, you both must have had some fun summers growing up. Did you both grow up knowing that you wanted to compete in water sports, or did you also have other interests when you were younger?
A: Both my sister and I spent a lot of time in the pool while growing up. My sister has been swimming since she was 6 years old. However I had no clue water polo existed until I started playing in 8th grade. I had tried lots of sports: soccer, tennis, volleyball, dance, softball, swimming and more. You name it, I most likely played it. I have always been fairly tall for my age so luckily I had water polo coaches that saw potential in me despite my late start.
Q: While you are just getting started, what are your aspirations for after you earn your degree in Education Sciences?
A: Throughout high school, I got many opportunities to work in day cares, summer camps, classrooms, as well as many babysitting gigs. I fell in love with teaching and being surrounded by kids who are passionate to learn and hope to give back to the community through education later in life. I also want to help kids find a passion for athletics as I was able to do myself.
Q: Now entering your sophomore year, what advice would you give to future Anteaters?
A: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. UCI is full of many wonderful opportunities that are just waiting to be taken advantage of.
Q: Looks like you've caught the international travel bug early. Where would your next dream vacation be and why?
A: I have a wide range of places I want to eventually visit, but my most thought out dream vacation would be a European backpacking trip. It would take a long time to do it, but it would be a fun way to knock a couple of countries off my list without traveling back to the U.S. every time.
Q: Having traveled to so many countries, what is the best meal that you've eaten?
A: Although I have eaten some pretty exotic meals during my travels, home is where my heart is. I was born and spent most of my childhood in Annapolis, Maryland, so I am a big seafood fan and love steamed Chesapeake Bay blue crab.
Q: Besides water polo and traveling, how do you like to spend your free time? Are there any hobbies that you'd like to take up?
A: When I am not in the pool or on campus, most of my free time is spent by the beach either relaxing or painting with some friends. I have recently tried getting back into surfing and hope to stick to that. I also have a pair of hiking boots I hope to get more use out of in the coming years. My favorite hike I've ever done was the Nevada Falls hike in Yosemite National Park and I hope to one day go back and do it again.
Players Mentioned
Goalkeeper
/ Women's Water Polo
Center
/ Women's Water PoloWednesday, May 27
Wednesday, May 13
Friday, May 01
Thursday, April 09
