Women’s Hoops: Katie Smith named USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year

December 29, 2009 – The year wraps up with some great news for veteran hoops player Katie Smith. The Detroit Shock forward was surprised to learn she has been named USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist and co-captain of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that captured the USA’s fourth consecutive gold medal Smith will also be nominated by USA Basketball for the U.S. Olympic Committee SportsWoman of the Year.

Smith’s shown an unrivaled commitment to the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Program, missing just one of the USA’s training camps over the past three years. She may not always put up the big numbers but her contribution to every team she’s been a part of is unparalled so it’s nice she gets the props.

College: No surprise here – Connecticut is the unanimous No. 1 choice for the fifth straight week in the women’s college basketball poll by the Associated Press.