Sybil Smith facts for kids

Sybil Smith (born November 23, 1966) is a former American college swimmer. She made history as the first African-American female swimmer to be named a first-team Division I All-American. This means she was recognized as one of the best college swimmers in the country. She is also the only female swimmer from Boston University to ever achieve this honor. Sybil Smith is the mother of Sloane Stephens, a famous tennis player who won the US Open.

Early Life and Family

Sybil Smith grew up in Fresno, California. She went to San Joaquin Memorial High School there. Her father, Noel Smith, came to the United States from Trinidad. He became a doctor after earning a scholarship to attend Howard University. Sybil has a brother named Tony. He became a professional golfer.

Sybil Smith is the mother of tennis star Sloane Stephens. Sloane won the 2017 US Open tennis tournament. Sybil also has another child, Shawn Farrell, with her husband Sheldon Farrell. Shawn played baseball and football in high school.

College Swimming Achievements

Many people consider Sybil Smith the best swimmer in Boston University history. During her final year, she competed in the NCAA Championships. She finished sixth in the 100-yard backstroke event.

Because she placed in the top eight, she was named a first-team All-American. This made her the first African-American female swimmer in Division I to achieve this special award. She is still the only female swimmer from her school to be an All-American. Her time in that race was also a new school record. Sybil Smith holds seven school records in total. This includes the record for the 100-yard butterfly event.

Sybil Smith also won the Mildred Barnes award twice. This award is given to Boston University's best woman athlete. She won it in 1987 and 1988. She was the first person to receive this honor two times. In 1993, she was added to the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame. This recognized her amazing sports career.

After College Swimming

After finishing college, Sybil Smith went to graduate school. She studied at Harvard University to become a psychologist. While she was there, she also worked as an assistant coach for Harvard's swim team.

She continued to compete in swimming after college. Sybil participated in the 1988 US Olympic Trials. She swam in three different events. Her best result was 21st place in the 50-meter freestyle. She also competed in the 100-meter freestyle and the 100-meter backstroke.