MY LETU STORY: Allison Smith

NOTE: This is part of a series on letuathletics.com with feature stories written by senior student-athletes about their time at LeTourneau and the impact it has made on them.

By: Allison Smith | Sr. | Volleyball

When I reflect on what it means to be a LeTourneau YellowJacket, I think about the incredible opportunities I have been given and the amazing people I have met along the way. 

LETU has been one of the biggest blessings in my life so far. It has provided me with opportunities I would never have had the chance to experience otherwise and has taught me valuable lessons through my four years here. 

Being a YellowJacket has also allowed me to meet people who have become foundational in my life. The Lord has been gracious to allow such incredible professors, friends, coaches, and teammates to enter my life and walk alongside me in my journey here at LeTourneau.

Most of the time I tell people that I chose to attend LETU because they allowed me to play volleyball during nursing school, which is true, but I also knew that LeTourneau would offer experiences I would not have anywhere else. 

The school has always been special to me as my older brother attended and graduated from here. I saw how God worked through him and blessed him with incredible opportunities. After seeing his experience, it motivated me to attend the school. 

I can remember walking on campus on one visit and telling the Lord that if He would get me here, I would willingly follow. When I was offered to play on the volleyball team and accepted into the nursing school, I knew that God had a plan for me at LETU and that enrolling was just the beginning of my journey.

While many people warned me that playing volleyball and doing nursing school would be difficult, I knew that God had a plan and that He would see me through. He provided the best support system of classmates, professors, family, coaches, and teammates who have been here for me through this entire process. 

Being a YellowJacket has taught me that I am called to pursue excellence and glorify God through my actions. It has not always been easy and I have been challenged both on the court and in my studies. 

Looking back at these last few years, some of my most favorite memories come from the situations when I did not think I could continue, but God used the people at LETU to give support when I needed it most. Learning to persevere through those difficult times has taught me that I can do anything with God’s help. 

Being a student athlete at LETU has taught me to work hard and do everything in excellence for the glory of God. While my four years as a YellowJacket has presented some difficult challenges at times, I use what I have learned from being an athlete every day. 

Every time I walk on the court, work with patients in the hospital, or even take my nursing exams, I try to do everything for God’s glory. I have loved being a college athlete and would never trade any of the experiences I have enjoyed through athletics. Being an athlete has taught me so many valuable lessons that I will take with me after I graduate. The people at LETU are special and I have enjoyed being part of the community that the school provides. 

I know that I would not be the person I am today without my experiences as a college athlete here at LeTourneau and the incredible people that have surrounded me as a YellowJacket. 

Allison Smith #12