Hall of Fame
Melissa Smith is one of the most decorated track/cross country student-athletes in Grand Valley State history. Smith, who set records in multiple events nine times during her career, is the current record holder in both the 5K (18:00) and 6K (21:27) in cross country, while also holding the outdoor 800-meter record (2:05.30) and being a part of the 4x400 record-setting relay. Smith was the 1998 and 1999 GLIAC Cross Country individual champion, while also claiming the 1999 Great Lakes Regional Cross Country individual title. Melissa was an eight-time GLIAC Champion in track & field, including being named the 2000 GLIAC Outdoor Athlete of the Meet after winning four (400, 800, 1500 and 3000) individual titles. Smith was a five-time NCAA DII All-American. She finished third in both the 1999 indoor and outdoor NCAA Championships in the 800. Smith then became GVSU’s first cross country All-American when she finished 14th at the 1999 NCAA Championships. Melissa closed her career with a fourth-place finish at the 2000 outdoor championships in the 1500 and a sixth-place finish as a member of the 4x400 relay team. Smith finished eighth in the 2000 Olympic Trials in the 800.
