Libby Smith has become a symbol of determination, faith and strength for Golden Grizzly volleyball.
The redshirt senior from Blissfield, Michigan has spent the past five years at Oakland University, not only leaving her mark on the volleyball program but also inspiring others through her resilience and trust in God.
For Smith, volleyball is more than just a sport — it has been a journey of growth, faith and the belief that every challenge carries a greater purpose.
During her freshman season in 2020, she appeared in the first three matches, playing 11 sets. She totaled seven kills, four aces, 10 digs and seven total blocks before she tore her ACL, MCL and meniscus, while also breaking her femur and tibia in the third game of her career.
She redshirted her sophomore year due to the injury but came back strong in 2022 with eight match starts, playing a total of 111 sets through 30 matches. That season, she tallied 233 kills, 58 digs, eight solo blocks and 42 block assists.
She believes that her greatest strength as an athlete is her ability to play confidently, and she thanks to God testing her and preparing her for adversity — her faith has been a motivation throughout her career and gives her the courage to overcome challenges and come back stronger.
Her ability to find purpose in setbacks has shaped not just the player she is but also the person she is off the court.
In 2023, she played 31 matches for a total of 121 sets, recording 274 kills, 67 digs, three aces, four solo blocks and 57 block assists. She picked up a career-high six blocks against IUPUI and Northern Kentucky and a career-high 19 kills against Purdue Fort Wayne.
Each year since her injury, she has shown steady growth, proving that her dedication and faith fuel her as an athlete.
Last year, she played in all 30 matches for 109 sets. She recorded 228 kills, a career-high 12 aces, 63 digs, eight solo blocks and 36 block assists.
Now in her final year, she has already tallied 216 kills, three aces, 80 digs, 14 solo blocks and 19 block assists.
Smith is on track to reach 1,000 career kills, currently standing at 967 with seven games left in the regular season. Reaching that milestone would be a full-circle moment — a reminder of how far she has come since her devastating injury.
This season started with a long string of losses for the Grizzlies before they earned their first win on Tuesday, Sept. 30 against Green Bay.
“It was definitely relieving because we know we’re a great team, and it didn’t reflect in our record from non-conference. Getting that first win was just proof of what we knew what was already there,” Smith said.
Smith reflected on her favorite games in her storied career, remembering “any game that we pulled out a win in the O’Rena” as a co-favorite.
She originally chose Oakland because of its proximity to home and the atmosphere she experienced during her visit — thanks to that choice, she now enjoys a chicken pot pie from Red Ox as a well-deserved postgame meal.
Even more comforting than the pot pie, is the love and support she’s felt from her family throughout her career.
“My husband has been my biggest support throughout my career; he helps me to think about things rationally, especially when emotions are running high,” Smith said.
Smith’s level-headedness is one of the many things that makes her a great teammate. To Smith, teamwork means playing selflessly.
“We always talk about playing for one another and pouring out when we are challenged. Teamwork is all about what you can give to others, and how you can help move the rock forward as a collective,” Smith said.
After her final season, Smith plans to continue in coaching and playing for fun over the summer.
But until then, she’ll follow her pregame ritual — touching the corner of the sideline and endline before shaking hands with the other team — and continue showing her remarkable strength and resilience through faith, reaching new heights and inspiring everyone in the stands — and everyone who has faced similar hardships.