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Dordt University

Natalie Smith

Women's Cross Country Athletic Communications Office

Women's Cross Country / Track Commit | Natalie Smith

Natalie Smith, a senior who ran for Sioux Falls Christian High School (S.D.), has announced her intention to attend Dordt University and compete for the Defenders cross country and track and field programs. 

SMITH NOTES:

  • School: Sioux Falls Christian H.S.
  • Hometown: Sioux Falls, S.D.
  • Parents: Erik and Jill Smith
  • Intended Field of Study: Kinesiology
  • Events: 400m, 800m,1500m / Mile, 3200m, 5000m (XC), Relays
  • Personal Best Times / Marks: 
    • 400m - 1:00
    • 800m - 2:17
    • Mile / 1600m - 5:03 / 5:01
    • 3200m - 11:15
    • 5K (cross country) - 17:52
  • Honors / Highlights:
    • Cross Country:
      • 4x state qualifier 
      • earned 1st team all-conference four consecutive years
      • earned all-state honors (top eight finish as an individual at the state meet) four consecutive years
      • was the individual state runner-up in 2022
      • won four consecutive team state championships (2022-25)
      • helped lead her team to a sixth place finish at the Nike Cross Country National Championships
    • Track and Field
      • part of a Chargers program that won five consecutive state team titles (2022-26)
      • won seven state titles during her career
        • 4x state champion in the 4x800 relay
        • 2x state champion in the 4x400 relay
        • 1x state champion in the medley
      • holds two state meet records (4x400 and 4x800 relay)
      • program record holder in both the 4x800 and 4x400 relays
      • earned a podium finish (top eight) at the state meet in the 400m, 800m, 1600m and 3200m
    • named Academic All-State in both cross country and track and field
  • Why Dordt:
    • "I chose to attend Dordt University because of the Christian environment, where faith is integrated in all things. I also loved the very strong running program with their supportive and encouraging coaches."
Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. The Defender athletic program is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA).    

U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,500 students.
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