Christian Smith starred on the State University of New York at New Paltz men's volleyball team from 2013 to 2016, leading the program to its first NCAA DIII National Championship in 2016. During his time with the Hawks Smith became one of the best to suit up for the orange and blue. He was a three-time First-Team All-American, four-time All-UVC selection and was named AVCA Men's Division III National Player of the Year in 2016, along with being NCAA Tournament MVP and UVC Player of the Year following the Hawks' national title win.
 
Smith graduated in 2016 with a degree in Business Finance. He looked back at his time as a Hawk, talking about his experiences and why there is only one SUNY New Paltz. 
 

"There's only one SUNY New Paltz. It is an incredibly loaded statement. New Paltz is the place to be for a multitude of reasons. First being the culture among the sports teams. It is truly a family atmosphere and that's what drew me there in the first place. From the moment I stepped on campus I was welcomed with open arms by every member of the athletic department, as well as my fellow student athletes. If you are looking for a university that combines top of the line education along side the best in Division III sports, then New Paltz is the place for you." 

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