Univest Featured Athletes (Week of April 26)

SuburbanOneSports.com recognizes a male and featured athlete each week. The awards, sponsored by Univest, are given to seniors of good character who are students in good standing that have made significant contributions to their teams. Selections are based on nominations received from coaches, athletic directors and administrators.

 

Nikole Smith is a leader and captain of the Norristown girls’ track team. She also played field hockey. Her team-first approach was exemplified during a tri-meet earlier this season that saw her compete in four consecutive races. “I needed a girl to step up and do what she had to do for the team,” coach Jennifer Coursey said. “She was obviously hurting at the end of the meet, but she did what she had to do for the team.” She is a member of Norristown’s 4x100 and 4x200 relays that took first place at the American Conference Relays. She anchored the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams that turned in remarkable performances at the Penn Relays with the 4x100 winning its heat and the 4x400 finishing third in the Suburban National race.

Justin Smith is a converted basketball player who discovered a new passion when he went out for volleyball as a sophomore. Through hard work and determination, the 6-6 Cheltenham senior has developed into a standout middle hitter/blocker. “He works very hard, and he has become someone we can’t take off the floor,” coach Chris Manser said. “We rely on him to block, and in my opinion, he’s one of the better blockers in the league.” Smith relishes the challenge of playing for a team that is on the rise in a strong conference. “It’s tough because you have to work up to their level, but it’s also a challenge, and I look forward to challenges,” the senior middle hitter said.