IU freshman forward Kayla Smith was named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after scoring the game-winning goal against Michigan in IU’s 2-0 ?win Friday.
Smith is the first Hoosier to earn the Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor since now-junior Sarah Stone won the award two years ago.
Smith, a Green Lake, Penn., native, scored the Hoosiers’ first goal in the 27th minute off an assist from senior midfielder ?Jordan Woolums.
The goal was Smith’s third of what proved to be a successful year for the first-year player.
Her three goals on the season were tied for the second most on the team.
She played in 19 games for the Hoosiers this year, starting in 17 and recording three assists to go with her three goals playing the entire season at forward.
The listed 5-foot-1 Smith didn’t always have opportunities to score — she only registered 12 shots, six of which were on goal — but her 25 percent shot percentage was one of the most efficient on ?the team.
For Smith, the award was the first of her career ?in college.
“Kayla has come in here and made an impact,” IU Coach Amy Berbary said earlier this season. “She’s given our offense a spark when we need it. She and the freshman class have come in ready to play and have been pushing some of our older players.”
Sam Beishuizen
