Joshua Smith

Liberty University Track & Field Media Day on October 2nd, 2024. (Photo by Cassidy Paxton)

Class:
Junior
Position:
Jumps
Height:
5-8
Hometown:
South Fulton, Ga.
Prev School:
Landmark Christian School

TFRRS Profile

CUSA Individual Titles (2)
2024 Indoor Triple Jump
2025 Outdoor Triple Jump

All-CUSA Honors (3)
2024 Indoor Triple Jump - 1st
2025 Indoor Triple Jump - 2nd
2025 Outdoor Triple Jump - 1st

ASUN Individual Titles (1)
2023 Indoor Triple Jump

All-ASUN Honors (2)
2023 Indoor Triple Jump - 1st
2023 Outdoor Long Jump - 3rd

2024 Outdoor Track & Field (So.)

Came in fifth in the CUSA triple jump competition
Triple jumped a season-best 48-9 at the Virginia Challenge
Posted Liberty’s top long jump effort on the year with his 22-3 at the Virginia Grand Prix
CSC Academic All-District
USTFCCCA All-Academic Team
CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll member

2023-24 Indoor Track & Field (So.)

CUSA triple jump champion, joining the 50-foot club with a 50-0.5 effort (No. 6 in program history)
Also won the triple jump at the season-opening Liberty Kickoff

2023 Outdoor Track & Field (Fr.)

Long jumped a season-best 23-2.75 for third place at the ASUN meet and took fourth in the triple jump
Won his first collegiate outdoor triple jump competition (Dr. Jack M. Toms Alumni Invitational)
Season-best 48-0.75 (wind-aided) triple jump came at the Bryan Clay Invitational
VaSID All-State Second Team (jumps)
USTFCCCA All-Academic Team
ASUN Academic Honor Roll member

2022-23 Indoor Track & Field (Fr.)

Reached a personal-best 49-7.75 (No. 6 in program history) on his final leap to win the ASUN triple jump title, one day after placing seventh in the long jump
VaSID Men’s Field Rookie of the Year
VaSID All-State Second Team (jumps)

Prep

Graduated from Landmark Christian School
Triple jumped a state-record 48-9.5 to win the 2021 Georgia 1A Private state title, breaking the record held by Shannon Sharpe for 35 years
Swept the 2022 Georgia 1A Private state titles in the long jump (school-record 23-4) and triple jump (48-8)

Personal

Son of Willie and Oronda Smith
Cousin Caleb Humphries plays football at the University of the Cumberlands
Birthday is July 13
Interdisciplinary studies major

Student-Athete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
The Christian environment is what made Liberty the perfect choice. I love the vision of the track program here. Our core values, our coaches, our God. Liberty is not like any other school.

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My father for sure. My father's personality has had a huge influence on mine. He keeps a level head, knows how to lead his family, doesn't show complaint, knows when to joke and when to be serious, knows how to handle unforeseen problems, knows how to first consult God in every situation, knows how to be a great husband, own up to mistakes, be honest, and encourage spiritual growth. I am confident my parents’ prayers for me are why I am where I am today, it's truly nothing but the grace of God.

What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
Eclipsing the fifty-foot barrier has got to be number one. Telling the world that Jesus is the way gives me purpose.

Do you have any relatives who are playing or have played college or professional sports? (Names, relation to you, what/where they played)?
My Cousin Caleb Humphries plays Tight End at University of the Cumberlands.

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
I really like soul food: baked chicken, collard greens, cornbread, honey baked ham, mac and cheese, sweet potato souffle, and rolls.

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
I like studying Chinese, playing video games, and reading Christian literature although I very rarely do (besides the Bible I mean) .

Do you have any current pets (name and type of animal)?
I have a Kerry Blue Terrier, 8 years old, Eimi (Amy).

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Growing Up had to be Josh Smith (He used to play for the Atlanta Hawks). He was my favorite because we have the same name. After he left, it became Kyle Korver, I also liked Jonathan Edwards for a long while (Triple WR Holder), but right now I don't have one.

What is your favorite possession and why?
I think we often take for granted the food on our table and the clothes on our back and the roof over our head, those are my favorite possessions truly.