Born: 1962 or 1963 (Bay City, Texas)
Biography:
Annette Smith-Knight (born 1962 or 1963) has worked in the community services department for the University of Texas at Austin since the mid-2000s. Smith began her time with Texas when she played for the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team during the 1980s. While with Texas, Smith appeared at the final of the 1982 AIAW National Division I Basketball Championship and won gold at the 1983 World University Games with the American basketball team.
After not playing for over a year due to injury, Smith resumed playing in 1985 and won the 1986 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament with the Longhorns. Following her 131 career games, Smith’s school career records of 1052 field goals and 2523 points with Texas have remained the highest for over 30 years.
From the late 1980s to early 2000s, Smith-Knight held various assistant coaching positions with Texas, Southwest Texas State University, and the University of California, Irvine. Smith later worked in marketing for Texas during the early 2000s before her move to the community services department.
Outside of basketball, Smith-Knight was previously hired by the Texas Secretary of State during the mid-1980s as a paralegal. She showcased her versatile skills by contributing to the legal sector before fully delving into her basketball career.
Smith-Knight’s legendary contributions to women’s basketball were officially recognized when she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. Her impact on the sport and her outstanding achievements have made her a role model for aspiring female athletes.
Early life and education:
In the early 1960s, Annette Smith was born in Bay City, Texas. Growing up, Smith and her siblings took part in basketball to avoid the assigned tasks given to them while their mother was not at home. This early introduction to the sport planted the seeds for Smith’s future success on the court.
During her education, Smith continued to pursue basketball and played for her high school team in Bay City. Her talent and dedication were evident from a young age, foreshadowing the achievements she would later attain at the collegiate level.
For the University of Texas at Austin, Smith joined the Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team in 1981. In her first year, she proved herself to be a valuable asset to the team, showcasing her skills and passion for the sport. Smith’s contributions helped elevate the Longhorns to national recognition and set the stage for her future success.
At the 1982 AIAW National Division I Basketball Championship, Smith and the Longhorns reached the final but were defeated by Rutgers. Despite the loss, Smith’s talent and determination propelled her to reach even greater heights in the coming years.
While at Texas, Smith had the opportunity to represent the United States at the 1983 World University Games, where she won the gold medal with the American basketball team. This international experience allowed Smith to refine her skills and compete against top athletes from around the world, solidifying her status as a formidable player.
Smith faced a setback in March 1984 when she suffered a devastating knee injury, tearing her tibia and anterior cruciate ligament. The injury required surgery, and Smith had to undergo extensive physical therapy to regain her strength and return to the court. Her resilience and determination were evident as she fought her way back to the game she loved.
Despite the setback, Smith’s unwavering dedication paid off when she returned to the Longhorns in November 1985. In her comeback season, Smith played a crucial role in leading the team to victory in the 1986 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament, securing the championship title. This triumph was a testament to Smith’s perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Throughout her 131 career games with the Longhorns, Smith consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills and leadership on the court. She recorded an impressive 1052 field goals, 966 rebounds, and accumulated 2523 points, cementing her legacy as one of the most successful players in the history of Texas women’s basketball.
Following her departure from Texas, Smith decided to forgo the opportunity to compete in the 1988 Summer Olympics due to her previous knee surgery. While she had the potential to represent her country on the international stage, Smith prioritized her long-term health and well-being, showcasing her commitment to making informed decisions for her future.
Smith-Knight’s contributions to women’s basketball extended beyond her playing career. She transitioned into coaching roles, sharing her knowledge and expertise with future generations of athletes. She held various assistant coaching positions at Texas, Southwest Texas State University, and the University of California, Irvine, leaving a lasting impact on the development of young basketball players.
Smith-Knight’s dedication to community services further highlights her commitment to making a positive impact off the court. Since the mid-2000s, she has worked in the community services department for the University of Texas at Austin, contributing to the improvement of the local community and empowering individuals through her work.
Annette Smith-Knight’s remarkable journey in the world of basketball, her dedication to the sport, and her continuous contributions to her community have left an indelible mark on women’s athletics. Her achievements both on and off the court inspire aspiring athletes and serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and passion.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.