HACKENSACK, N.J. – Fairleigh Dickinson University women's golf senior Nicola Smith joined the FDU community in the fall of 2017 and has been a critical piece of the program over the past four seasons.

Smith came to the United States after growing up in Sittingborne, England and noticed an immediate difference between the courses in the United States and England. "The courses in England are firmer and the ball drives further," stated Smith. "In America, the yardages were longer at first, so it was a little tough to adjust, but doing gym work at FDU and practice helped it get easier for me."

The senior criminal justice major has been a part of two NEC Championship teams since her arrival and credits the team's culture. "It doesn't matter where you're from, we make sure that every player feels comfortable. Over time, I got to learn new things about where my teammates are from and it was easier to learn about our differences in culture. We've had players from Spain, Italy, Germany, England, and the United States, so getting to know everyone's background and stories was important to me."

When asked about the differences between the United States and England from a cultural perspective, Smith said, "There are different terms and sometimes the sense of humor is a little different, but the US isn't too different from England. New Jersey is definitely more diverse in general than my hometown in England."

Smith has seen improvement in her game every year and credits the FDU weight room, the coaching staff, and a course she took. "I have definitely gotten stronger since I came to FDU and developed better habits. Being able to receive tips from coaches and having access to different courses has definitely helped my game. I took a sports psychology course that helped think more critically about how golf is such a mental game."

Last season, the Knights were looking to win their third straight NEC Championship and fifth in six years, but COVID shut down the NEC's. "It was shocking when we discovered that spring sports were shut down as we had finished a tournament in Florida. We were disappointed since everyone was playing quite well, so we were looking forward to the championship, but have our eyes on getting back this year."

"Some ways in which we were able to bond as a team included eating outside together, practicing our games and chatting while we were socially distanced, and constantly texting in our team group chat," said Smith when asked about how the team has meshed despite the pandemic. "As a leader on the team, I have tried to help our freshman by showing them how we do things as well as what they can expect. I can only imagine how difficult it is being a freshman coming into college during these times."

When asked about how FDU has helped her favorite memory at FDU, Smith stated, "Winning our conference tournaments and being able to celebrate with my teammates." The senior also has developed many memories outside of athletics. "The Fitness Center has been a big part of my time, as most of my friends I've met have been through there. Getting to know people outside of athletics is something that I am grateful for."

Smith is also active off the greens as she partakes in community service at a center for kids where she teaches them golf once a week as well as helping with junior lessons when she is back in England. 

When asked about the team's plans for the spring Smith ended with, "Hopefully we can get out there again and start competing again as a team."