In April, the Black Student Union (BSU), Multicultural Advisory and Activities Council (MAAC) and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Lock Haven University hosted the event, "DEI and the Next Generation of Trailblazers," with Tamika "Mimi" Smith.
Smith shared her experiences at Old Dominion University (ODU) as an All-American field hockey player, who was also the only African American on her team. During the presentation, Smith used her experiences at ODU to examine the intersection of diversity and athletics. She also explained how she coped with others' negative thoughts about her body through a healthy self-image and the power of self-advocacy.
Smith outlined the cultural and societal struggles that she faced being the only African-American on her team. Smith also emphasized the growth that she experienced during that time and the importance of the relationships that she formed. Smith stated that "good mental health and a positive self-image were key" as she helped ODU to win three Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championships, make three Final Four appearances and win a National Championship.
"Understanding who I was and embracing my drive to win helped me greatly," she said. It was that drive to win that led Smith to two second Team All-American nominations, being named first Team All-American and serving as a repeat member of the CAA All-Tournament and NCAA All-Tournament teams.
Smith said that although many highlights of her collegiate career were individual (such as winning the CAA Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and the prestigious Honda Broderick Award), her most valuable achievements were "creating endless memories and making wonderful friendships" that will last a lifetime.
Smith went on to play for the U.S. Women's National Team. She was a member of the 1999 Pan American Team and the 2000 World Cup Team. Smith played field hockey in more than 14 countries.
After taking some time off from hockey because of injuries, Smith got involved in coaching club field hockey and also officiated high school field hockey games. She even started her own club, Reach Field Hockey Club, in 2012. She has been involved in the USA Field Hockey Futures Program for several years, running a futures site in Maryland and supporting others by coaching at various sites. Mimi is also a Level II certified USA Field Hockey Coach.
One of Smith's primary goals is to make sure that all young women have platforms to learn, grow and excel in the game. "Field hockey has afforded me the opportunity to live a life that I don't think I could have even dreamed about," she said. "I want to see others have the same chance."
Smith is helping people off the field as well. As a treatment placement specialist with Acadia Healthcare, she works with healthcare professionals to provide the best treatment options to clients in need of residential or stepdown care. In this role, she acts as an advocate for clients, guiding and empowering them to make the treatment choice that is the most fitting for their needs.
