TEXARKANA, Texas -- Texarkana native Sa'Myah Smith is a national champion.
Smith is a forward with LSU, which recently won the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.
Smith grew up in Texarkana before moving to DeSoto, Texas, where she played basketball in high school.
"I've played basketball basically since I was born, growing up playing outside with my older cousins," Smith said in a Zoom interview with the Gazette.
The LSU freshman said it is exciting to be part of history at the university.
"It's great to bring home the first national championship here to LSU, and then being from a small town just doing big things is great."
According to LSU's website, while in high school, Smith was ranked the 57th player in the country, the top player in Dallas by ESPN, and the best player on DeSoto High School's team. Smith led DeSoto to back-to-back Class 6A state championships in her junior and senior seasons.
Smith spoke on making it out of a small city and following her dreams, while having the love and support of Texarkana.
"Just to be from there, not everybody makes it out," Smiths said. "Having them support me this season and especially coming to the tournament has been great."
Smith's mother, Sherry Haynes, beamed as she spoke on her daughter's title win.
"To watch Sa'Myah, play in the national championship game as a freshman was amazing. Words can't describe how proud I am of her."
Marteen Smith, who was Smith's first basketball coach, described her granddaughter as a go-getter.
"I am truly amazed at her outcome of a freshman year in college. All I ask is that she keeps God first and makes the grades, because I thrive on that. I always tell her to give her all in anything she does, and I pray night and day for her to be healthy."
Head coach Kim Mulkey led LSU in their dominating 102-85 win over Iowa. It was the most points ever scored in a women's title game, and the 50th team national title in LSU's 130-year history.
"She's a great coach, a legendary coach. I think anybody would be grateful to play for her, just to be in her presence. She's going to push you and make you uncomfortable, but it's going to help you grow and get to the next level," Smith said.
Smith gave advice to other youngsters who want to play basketball at a collegiate level.
"Don't let where you come from hinder where you are going. Keep striving and go for what you want to go for, no one knows your limit except you."