For Immediate Release
Sunday, April 25, 2021
NSIC Elite 18 Award

MORTON, Minn. - Winona State's Jessica Smith earned the NSIC Elite 18 Award for women's golf as she held the highest grade point average with the most credits earned among the student-athletes competing at the NSIC Women's Golf Championship.  Smith was presented the award at the NSIC Women's Golf Championship awards ceremony at Dacotah Ridge Golf Club in Morton, Minnesota.  

Smith is the eighth student-athlete from Winona State to earn the NSIC Elite 18 Award (on nine occasions) since its inception in 2016-17.

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration during the 2016-17 academic year, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC’s 18 Championships.
 
 
Smith is a sophomore majoring in nursing and holds a 4.00 grade point average. The Lakeville, Minnesota native has golfed in eight rounds this spring and holds an 89.1 stroke average with low rounds of 83 at the NSIC Championshps. Smith finished the NSIC Championships tied for 31st with rounds of 83-85-90 to finish at 258 (+18).