Abbeville native signs D-1 scholarship

The dream of being able to sign a full athletic scholarship is in the back of the mind for almost every single high school athlete.
Unfortunately, a very small number of athletes get to see their dreams come true, but not Dajaun Smith.
Through hard work and determination Smith as has singed a full athletic scholarship in the sport of basketball for the University of California at Santa Barbara.
“I have worked hard for this moment,” Smith said. “To sign a full ride scholarship is a dream come true. I knew it would come, if I just stayed on the right course through prayers and determination.”
Smith graduated from Abbeville high in 2011.
The scholarship offers didn’t exactly start rolling in when he graguated.
So he decided to attened junior college Mount San Jancinto in California.
While at MSJ his game and his character level started growing by leaps and bounds.
“Mt. San Jacinto helped develop my character”, said Smith. “Coach Springer wanted the best for us and in an environment where we play against men everyday this program helped me mature from being a kid to being a man.”
Smith was a First Team All Pacific Coast Athletic Conference performer this past season as he helped the Eagles to a conference title and an overall record of 25-5.
Smith averaged 14 points per game during the 2013-14 season while starting all 30 games for MSJC on their way to qualifying for the State Final Eight. Smith also pulled down 5.8 rebounds per game while scoring in double figures 26 times this season.
He is also really excited about the school for more than just basketball.
“The educational opportunity at UCSB is great,” added Smith. “The basketball program allows you to play on the Big Stage, and I just loved everything about the campus on my visit”.
Smith just proves that hard work and determination pays off.

Andy Bullard
Sports Editor