AUSTIN, Texas—William Smith junior lacrosse goalie Maura Smeader earned a spot on the 2023-24 Academic All-America® Women's At-Large second team as selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). This is the second straight year that Smeader has been recognized by CSC.
A history major, Smeader started 23 games in goal for the Herons this spring. She posted a 19-4 overall record, guiding William Smith to the national semifinals for the second straight year. Smeader had a 7.58 GAA and a .485 save percentage. She was fifth in Division III in GAA and 30th in save percentage. Smeader made double-digit saves in six games, including a season-high 12 against then fourth-ranked Salisbury in the regular season. She finished the year with a team-high 46 ground balls. Smeader brought in a career-high six ground balls against York and Rensselaer.
A four-year starter, Smeader has played in 64 career games. She is 57-7 with a 7.35 GAA and a .476 save percentage. Smeader enters her senior season second on William Smith's all-time wins list, seventh in GAA, ninth in saves (400) and 17th in save percentage. Smeader has been a USA Lacrosse Magazine All-American in each of her first three seasons, earning first team recognition this past spring.
Academically, Smeader is a two-time Liberty League All-Academic pick. She is also a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection.
To be eligible for Academic All-America consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.50 and have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at their current institution. Nominees are voted on by CSC members.
CSC began the distinguished Academic All-America® program in 1952, and since then, has honored more than 40,000+ deserving student-athletes from numerous sports across all divisions with these elite Academic All-America® scholar-athlete honors. Currently, CSC sponsors Academic All-America® programs for 14 sports. Many other sports are eligible through the At-Large program, which includes women's bowling, women's rowing, field hockey, men's and women's golf, men's and women's hockey, men's and women's lacrosse, and men's and women's skiing.
Hobart and William Smith student-athletes have earned 69 Academic All-America® awards, including 36 in the last 10 years.
Five William Smith lacrosse players have earned six Academic All-America awards. Smeader is the first lacrosse player to win the award twice.