Smartt takes defensive skills to Rutgers

Two-sport standout picks lacrosse

By: Rudy Brandl
   Nicole Smartt is a tenacious athlete who could probably defend an opposing attacker in any sport. She might even be able to cover her brother, sophomore wide receiver Jason Smartt, on a football field.
   It’s that athletic ability and toughness that made Nicole so appealing to the Rutgers University women’s lacrosse program. The Hillsborough High senior, also a soccer standout, recently signed her official letter of intent accepting a partial athletic scholarship to play lacrosse at Rutgers.
   "I chose Rutgers because I believe that it has a great athletic program overall," said Smartt, who also considered Monmouth, Brown, Drexel, Cornell and American. "I love the idea of being part of it. Rutgers women’s lacrosse has a young squad that is growing and getting better and better and I feel confident that I can add to its success."
   Smartt has played an integral role on several Hillsborough team championships during her scholastic career. This fall, she led a stingy defense that blanked Montgomery twice to propel the Lady Raiders to the Skyland Conference Delaware East Division title. In the past two lacrosse seasons, Smartt helped the HHS girls win their first-ever Somerset County crown (2005) and Skyland Conference championship (2006).
   "I’ve had the opportunity to compete and excel in both soccer and lacrosse with great teammates," said Smartt, who has been named to several county and conference all-star teams.
   Smartt could have played college soccer but soon realized there were more opportunities in lacrosse. HHS assistant coach Laurie Stagnitta, who has many college connections, made Smartt aware of her options.
   "I’ve been playing soccer since I was 4 years old," Smartt said. "I’m going to miss it, but I like lacrosse better."
   Although she’s become known as a defensive stalwart, Smartt proved she could make a monster offensive contribution when she scored the winning goal in the final minute of a dramatic state playoff lacrosse game last spring. It’s that type of big-play ability that HHS head coach Beth Murrin will miss after Smartt graduates in June.
   "Laurie and I are really excited about her athleticism and the intensity she brings to the game," Murrin said. "She can take that to the next level. We’re excited to have her close to home so we can see her play."
   Smartt plans to continue working on her non-dominant-hand stick skills, defensive footwork and positioning. She grew up playing sports and has proven many times in two sports at various levels that she can shut down an opposing player.
   "She’s been a great athlete since she was a kid," said Rudy Smartt, Nicole’s dad. "We knew she’d do very well in high school. This is an extra bonus that she’s going on to play Division 1 lacrosse."
   "I am very excited and anxious about going away to college," Smartt said. "It will give me an opportunity to really grow up and succeed on my own. I can’t wait to meet a bunch of new friends and to play a Division 1 sport for such a well-known school. At the same time, it’s a little sad knowing that I will be saying good-bye to many old friends who will be moving on to colleges all over the country."