February Student Athlete of the Month - Ben Smith
Senior Ben Smith on the men's ice hockey team has been selected as the SAAC February Student Athlete of the Month. Ben has been an active member of the community throughout his four years at Boston College and is looking to continue leading the hockey team this weekend in the Hockey East Semifinals on Friday against Vermont at the TD Bank Garden. As the assistant captain of the team, Ben is currently fourth on the team in points with 29 (12 goals, 17 assists) and has lead the team to an overall record of 23-10-3. Off the ice, Ben is an active member of the SAAC board where he is the head of the HEAR program, coordinating service trips for student athletes to local elementary schools. He has also participated in Franciscan hospital visits, YMCA trips, and a "Skate with the Eagles" day at Conte. Ben sat down with SAAC to talk about his experience as a Student Athlete and how he sees this season finishing up for the Eagles: Q.What are your thoughts on the hockey season up to this point in the year? A.We are a young team and we knew that coming in to the season, the biggest question would be how the young kids step in and adapt to the college game. We have surpassed some expectations to an extent, had our highs and lows, but for the most part it has been a great year. We are trying to finish strong in the postseason. Q.How do you feel about your team's chances in the postseason? A.Good, I think that we are playing the best hockey that we have played all year. The Hockey east has been a very deep conference all season, though, so we know we can't take any team for granted. We are prepared and excited to get going this weekend. Q.How are you able to balance everything you do with such a long season? A.Because our season is so long, we have to keep track of our work and get in to a steady routine where you can get everything done. Q.How have you enjoyed playing for BC last 4 years A.BC has been everything I had hoped it would be. I was attracted by the winning tradition, and I have been able to be a part of that success over the last 4 years. I am hoping to finish the year out with a couple more trophies. Q.How important do you feel it is to give back to the community being a student athlete? A.It's very important, and something that BC does so well. It is something that is instilled in not just the athletic program, but the school as well. The opportunities to give back here are second to none, and it is one of the best parts of being a Student Athlete at a school like Boston College Q.What is one goal you have before you graduate? A.Just to enjoy it and continue doing well in school and finish the year strong before the real world begins. |
