Completed Event: Field Hockey versus Villanova on August 29, 2025 , Win , 3, to, 2
FH
Final
James Madison
3
vs Villanova
2
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
2010 Field Hockey Roster
Roster
Smiertka, Sam
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Jersey Number 10
Sam Smiertka
- Year:
- Sophomore
- Position:
- Midfielder/Forward
- Height:
- 5-7
- Hometown:
- Townsend, Del
- High School:
- St. Thomas More
Bio
As a redshirt senior:
- CAA Commissioner's Academic Award
- JMU Athletics Director Scholar-Athlete
- Appeared in and started all 18 games for the Dukes
- Tied for fifth in the CAA for defensive saves with two
- Recorded one goal and two points for the season against Ball State
As a redshirt junior:
- Appeared in all 19 games of the season, starting in 18 of them
- Led the team in defensive saves with two, one against American and one against Old Dominion
- CAA Commissioner's Academic Award Recipient
- JMU Dean's List Spring 2013
As a junior:
- Sat out the season with an injury
- Preseason All-CAA Honorable Mention
- Represented JMU at the Junior National Championship
- CAA Commissioner's Academic Award
- JMU Dean's List Spring 2012
- JMU Athletic Director Scholar-Athlete
As a sophomore:
- JMU Athletic Director Scholar-Athlete
- JMU Dean's List Spring 2011
- Started all 19 games on defense for the Dukes
- Finished tied for fourth in the conference with three defensive saves
As a freshman:
- JMU Dean's List Spring 2010
- Made first appearance in 1-0 win over Ohio State, recorded first shot
- Made first start in 3-2 win over Kent State
- Started three games for the Dukes while appearing in 10 others
Before JMU:
- Played for Debbie Windett and Lynn Price and the St. Thomas More Prep Ravens
- Also competed for Kate Windett and the First State Diamonds club team
- As a senior First Team All-State honors and All-America recognition
- Penn Monto/NFHCA All-South Region
- Two time First Team DSAC All-Conference
- Also competed in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, aiding the Ravens to state playoffs in soccer and basketball
- Competed in National Futures Tournament 2008 & 2009
- Four-year scholar-athlete honoree
- Academic All-American as a senior
- Delaware's Governors School for Excellence in Art
- National honor roll
- Four-time honors list honoree
- Two-time Principal's List
Personal:
- Daughter of Lori and Steve Smiertka
- Hopes to continue playing hockey after JMU and work in graphic design
- Enjoys reading, traveling, painting, and playing lots of sports
Getting to know Samantha...
Why did you choose JMU?
I chose JMU because it is a really pretty campus and the size is just right - it also has my major and the team was a big factor
What is your major/minor and why did you choose it?
I'm majoring in Studio Art hopefully to become an illustrator later on down the road
What are your goals for the 2010 season?
Play in as many games as I can and just improve my skills
What are your favorite things to do off the field
Hanging out with my team and reading
What is your favorite JMU field hockey moment?
All the nail-biting overtime games that we ended up winning
What is the best class you have taken at JMU?
So far, Art 104 ("Drawing")
Where is your favorite place you have visited and where would you like to visit?
My favorite place I have visited was Costa Rica and I would like to visit South America or New Zealand
What is something that most people do not know about you?
I love giraffes
What do you want to do after college?
Do a lot of traveling and start a career in illustration
What is your most prized possession?
My pillow
Where is your favorite place to eat on campus at JMU?
Dukes
Do you have any unique talents?
Enjoy interpretive dance
What is the best advice you have received?
Go big or go home
What advice would you give a prospective recruit?
Keep running and working hard
What is your dream job?
Working at a safari
What do you like about Harrisonburg?
It is surrounded by all the mountains
What is your lucky number?
6
Who or what is your favorite...
Food? Seafood
TV Show? Planet Earth
Movie? Death At a Funeral
Book? Anything by Janet Evanovich
Athlete? Dwight Howard
JMU sport (besides field hockey)? Lacrosse and softball
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