NaLyssa Smith started playing basketball when she was just four years old. After watching her father play the sport, NaLyssa quickly became determined to start a journey of her own. Learning from her father’s experience playing basketball in college as well as professionally, NaLyssa remembers strengthening her commitment to playing the sport at the highest level as she worked to develop her game on the court growing up. The rest is history. Upon graduating from East Central High School as one of the nation’s top athletes, NaLyssa officially embarked on the next chapter in her basketball career at Baylor University. It has been a movie ever since. From becoming an NCAA Champion in 2019 to being the recipient of the 2021 Wade Trophy and Katrina McClain Award to being named the Big 12 Player of the Year, NaLyssa has continued to set records and break barriers throughout her collegiate career. She doesn’t stop there. Off the court, she has continued to build her personal brand and foster her legacy—recently launching her clothing brand, “Slept On.” As she plays her senior season at Baylor, NaLyssa is looking forward to elevating her game further, working towards her goal of playing in the WNBA, and inspiring the next generation of young athletes to be fearless in the pursuit of their dreams. Incredible!
Diving into your journey early on, take us through that transition from high school to college. What was that transition into this new chapter like for you?
For me, it wasn't too crazy. I feel like a lot of people tried to scare me into the big transition from high school to college, but my trainer—who I (have) been training with since I was in high school—, kind of prepared me for what it was like in college. The biggest difference for me was probably just getting stronger and having to battle against bigger people. That was probably my biggest transition.
What were some areas of your game that you saw the biggest shift on as you made that jump from high school to college?
Probably in the post. I just had to get stronger and more in shape. In high school, it’s like it doesn’t matter who you play (against), everybody is either shorter than you or half of the people don’t even want to play basketball. Then you get to college, and it's like we are all Division I athletes. So I just had to get bigger, start eating right, take vitamins, and really just change my body.
As you made that decision to attend Baylor University, what were some aspects of the school or the program that attracted you to play there for your collegiate career?
The main thing was that it's only two hours from home. I've been playing in front of my family my whole life, so that was one of my biggest things—staying in Texas. Baylor was always one of the best programs in Texas (as well). Around that time, Baylor was a Top-5 program and they already had two national championships. I just wanted to add along to that legacy. So coming in (my freshman year) and winning a national championship, it all worked out.
Like you mentioned, you came in your freshman year and immediately made an impact on the team—contributing a lot to that title win against Notre Dame. What was that moment like of winning your first national championship at the Division I level?
It was crazy. Honestly, I knew I played a lot during the season but I really didn't think I was gonna play that much in the national championship game. So when my name did get called, I was a little nervous (*laughs*). It was a big moment and I didn’t want to fold. I just went out there, did what I do best, and it came out good.
Along with winning a title, you also competed with Team USA and won a gold medal in the 2018 FIBA Championship. Tell us a little bit more about that experience playing abroad, playing with Team USA, and winning a gold medal.
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