Junior Jamie Smith has been performing at the top of her game recently, scoring her first career triple-double against Siena on Oct. 20 and securing the volleyball team’s spot in Iona’s record books.

The volleyball team is the first group of Gaels to win in the new Hynes Center. The win meant a lot for Smith.

“That’s a piece of history that’ll always be with that new gym,” Smith said. “To be the first team to get a win in there was definitely super special and great for not only our program but the school as well.”

Smith had 16 kills, 18 assists and 12digs in the Gaels win over Siena. She attributes her success on the court to the team around her and how hard they work.

The team leader has a total of 189 kills this season, with 2.70 kills per set. The next best is senior Karla Johnson at 153 kills with 2.15 kills per set. Smith also plays great defense, putting up 139 digs so far this season, only trailing teammate Tess Connolly with 172 and defensive powerhouse Jessica Paolucci with 259.

Smith helps lead the Gaels throughout their games on and off the court. Her persistence, alongside the team’s as a whole, has shown in their results. Iona has scored two wins in the last five games compared to one win in their last 15.

The team is struggling to find their identity this season, which explains their struggles early in the season, according to Smith.

“It’s been interesting and fun,” Smith said. “A lot of ups and a lot of downs but at the end of the day, we’re trying to create our own culture.”

Smith has her family to thank for her help in leading her team, she says. Her family consists of fellow volleyball players in her older brothers.

“They sort of know what helped them with their team,” Smith said. “I’ve been able to use them for advice on how to help our team out [and] play the best we can play.”