COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Lindsey Wilson women's golf student-athlete Tara Laverty has been named the Jessica Smith Endowed Scholarship recipient.
Laverty is a native of Dunloy, Ireland, and a rising junior on the nationally ranked women's golf program. She is the third recipient of the endowed scholarship named after former Blue Raider Jessica Smith, who tragically passed away in an automobile accident on October 2, 2016.
"I am incredibly honored to receive the Jessica Smith Endowed Scholarship," Laverty said. "It means a lot to be recognized for my commitment to the golf team and my academics. I am very grateful to the Smith family for their support, which this scholarship offers. I will continue to push myself as both a student and an athlete to honor their commitment."
Earl and Marlene Smith created the Jessica Smith Endowed Scholarship -- affectionately called "The Jessica" -- to benefit a women's golf student-athlete. The $25,000 endowed gift is pledged in memory of their daughter, who played three seasons for the Lindsey Wilson women's golf program and graduated in 2010.
"Jessica enjoyed her time at Lindsey Wilson, and as her parents, we were so proud to watch her play the game she loved and to walk across the stage on graduation day," Earl Smith said. "The Jessica Endowment is very close to our hearts. We had multiple student-athletes to choose from, but Tara just stood out. We are always delighted to award "The Jessica" scholarship."
Lindsey Wilson golf coach Chris Butler said the Smith family's support for the program is inspiring.
"Earl and Marlene have done so much for our program, including providing one of our student-athletes a yearly scholarship," Butler said. "While I wasn't fortunate enough to be Jessica's coach, I know she made a tremendous impact on our program and her legacy continues thanks to Earl and Marlene's support.
"Tara is excited to receive a scholarship that bears Jessica's name," Butler added. "Tara is an amazing young woman. She excels in the three facets we discuss in the program: on the course, in the classroom, and in the community."
Jessica Smith was a two-time NAIA All-American (2008, 2010) while playing at Lindsey Wilson. She concluded her collegiate golfing career with a 78.9 scoring average. She won six individual tournaments while helping Lindsey Wilson win 20 team titles, including three conference championships and three top-10 finishes at the NAIA National Championships.
Smith was the 2009-10 Mid-South Conference Player of the Year and the 2008 NAIA Region XI Player of the Year. She earned all-tournament honors at the 2010 NAIA National Championship.
Smith was inducted into the Lindsey Wilson Athletics Hall of Fame on April 13, 2024, as part of the Class of 2023.
Laverty posted a 78.5 career scoring average over her 28 rounds this past season. She had four top-10 finishes during the season and finished 64th in the 144-woman NAIA National Tournament.
