Sybil Smith facts for kids
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 23, 1966 Fresno, California |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Swimming |
| Strokes | Backstroke Butterfly Freestyle |
| College team | Boston University |
Sybil Smith, born on November 23, 1966, is a talented American former college swimmer. She made history as the first African-American woman to be named a first-team Division I All-American in swimming. She is also the only swimmer from Boston University to achieve this special honor. Sybil Smith is the mother of famous tennis player Sloane Stephens, who won a major tennis championship.
About Sybil Smith
Sybil Smith grew up in Fresno, California. She went to San Joaquin Memorial High School there. Her brother, Tony, was a professional golfer. Sybil's father, Noel Smith, came to the United States from Trinidad. He became a doctor after getting a scholarship to attend Howard University.
Sybil Smith is the mother of tennis star Sloane Stephens. Sloane won the 2017 US Open, a very important tennis tournament. Sybil also has a son named Shawn Farrell. Shawn played baseball and football in high school. He is now a recording artist and videographer.
College Swimming Achievements
Many people consider Sybil Smith the best swimmer in Boston University history. In her final year of college, she competed in the NCAA Championships. She finished sixth in the 100-yard backstroke event. Finishing in the top eight meant she was named a first-team All-American. This made her the first African-American female swimmer in Division I to earn this title. She is still the only female swimmer from Boston University to be an All-American.
Her time in the 100-yard backstroke was also a school record. Sybil Smith holds the school record for the 100-yard butterfly event too. In total, she set seven school records during her college career. Sybil won the Mildred Barnes award twice, in 1987 and 1988. This award is given to Boston University's best woman athlete. She was the first person to win it more than once. In 1993, she was honored by being added to the Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame.
Life After College
After finishing her college swimming career, Sybil Smith went to graduate school. She studied at Harvard University to become a psychologist. While studying, she also worked as an assistant coach for Harvard's swim team. In 1988, she competed in the US Olympic Trials. She participated in three events: the 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle, and 100-meter backstroke. Her best result was 21st place in the 50-meter freestyle.
