Since her first year on the volleyball team in 2007, middle blocker Nicole Smith '11 has been a consistent force in the middle of the court for the Judges. This past weekend in the Judges Classic, she did so for the last time at home, leading Brandeis with 13 kills, 5.5 blocks and two aces in the squad's 3-1 victory over Clarkson University. Despite her performance, Smith felt she had room to improve.

"Really, I didn't think I did that well. My blocking could have been a lot better," Smith said.

Smith has been a crucial member of the volleyball team this season. At the Hall of Fame Invitational last weekend, she was named to the All-Tournament team for her performance. On the season, she has more solo blocks than the rest of the team combined and is second on the team with 272 kills.

Looking back, Smith said that her career has been competitive but very enjoyable.

"You have to expect competition. It was great playing against top schools like Washington [University in St. Louis] and Emory [University]. I had to play and work really hard. Overall, it was a great experience," she said, adding that "It was just fun. It was something I truly enjoyed."

On Friday and Saturday, Smith will play in the University Athletic Association Championships at Case Western Reserve University in her last tournament for Brandeis.

"It hasn't really hit me yet," she said. "I haven't gotten into the mindset that this is it, that I'm done."

Despite the team's 1-6 record in the UAA Smith expects the entire team to play hard in the tournament next weekend.

I want [the underclassmen] to play hard, at least for the seniors," Smith said. "Leave it all on the field. Play with no regrets.