Before slicing into her cake Wednesday afternoon, the senior signed her letter of intent to accept a full scholarship to play volleyball next year at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Smurthwaite previously committed to the Division II school in Edmond, Okla., but chose not to sign on the first day of the early signing period, Nov. 11. She waited until the final day, Wednesday.
"I wanted it to be on my birthday," said Smurthwaite, who was joined in the conference room at Decatur High School by family members, teammates, coaches and friends. "This is pretty exciting to have all these people here that have helped me get here.
"This shows me that constantly keeping up all the hard work over the years in high school and with club ball has paid off," she noted.
Smurthwaite earned the opportunity after playing four varsity seasons for the Lady Eagles. She played every position, but her primary role the past three seasons has been setter.
"She took that challenge of changing positions as a sophomore and excelled," said Decatur coach Claire Rose.
Smurthwaite will remain at setter next year and is expected to play as a freshman.
"I've already started a workout program for them," Smurthwaite said. "I just need to keep working hard through club that starts in January."
Rose expects Smurthwaite to excel at the next level.
"It's another step up, and the game is much faster," Rose said. "I think she'll handle it. She's mature enough and driven enough. It's a lot of work, but she is self-motivated and has the inner drive that you need. She also is never satisfied. She's always working hard to get better and loves the game."
As the setter this season, Smurthwaite led Decatur to a 36-7 record, including a perfect 10-0 in District 5-3A. She finished the year with 836 assists, averaging nearly 20 in Decatur's 42 matches. Smurthwaite also added 4.2 kills, 4.9 digs and 2.9 blocks per match.
After the season, Smurthwaite was named the District 5-3A MVP.
"I couldn't have asked for a better senior year," Smurthwaite said. "Having the girls and coaches stay together for three-and-a-half months made all the hard work worth it."
Rose said Smurthwaite's leadership along with her play on the court will be hard to replace next season.
"It'll be a big role for someone to step into," Rose said. "She's been a good role model."
Her club coach, Larry Smith, added: "She's done everything expected of her and now has the opportunity to play at the next level."
