Ankeny senior Lillian Smith has decided to continue her track and field career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Smith announced on social media earlier this week that she had committed to the Mavericks’ program.
“It was a tough decision because every school I visited had pros and cons,” Smith said. “However, I immediately loved UNO once I got on campus. I really enjoyed the head coach, especially because he competed in decathlons in college and I plan on competing multis.”
Smith helped Ankeny to a fifth-place finish in the Class 4A state meet as a junior. She placed fourth in the 400 hurdles with a time of 1:05.64.
Smith also ran on the Hawkettes’ runner-up distance medley relay and the 10th-place sprint medley relay. She was a state qualifier in the shuttle hurdle relay as well.
As a sophomore, Smith won a state title as a part of Ankeny’s distance medley relay. She also placed 12th in the 400 hurdles and anchored the 11th-place sprint medley relay.
Smith, who was a state qualifier in the 100 as a freshman, said she was impressed by UNO’s pre-med program.
“I also got a chance to talk to the girls on the track team, and they all seemed extremely nice and welcoming,” Smith said. “Overall, I loved the atmosphere and energy when I was there, and I am extremely happy with my decision.”