MURFREESBORO Earlier this week, Central Magnet senior Claudia Smith found out that she had been chosen as a state finalist for the Wendy’s Heisman award.
On Wednesday, the multiple-sport athlete was told she is one of six female finalists nationally.
“My parents have known all week,” Smith said. “My dad has been working in Memphis and he said he was coming back for a meeting.
“But he was really coming back for the ceremony (at Central Magnet).”
Smith is a standout basketball player and former Class A/AA cross country state champion. She said she plans on running track and field this spring, something she hasn’t done in the past at Central Magnet.
Smith won the 2013 Class A/AA cross country state title. This past season started late because of rehabilitation for a knee injury suffered during her junior season of basketball.
“My knee is doing well,” Smith said. “It’s felt great.”
The Wendy’s Heisman award is a combination of athletics, academics and community service. An overall male and female winner will be chosen on Dec. 12 as part of the college football Heisman Award weekend.
Smith has a 4.0 GPA. Her community service includes the Charity Circle, Salvation Army and for Unique Special Important, an organization that helps kids with special needs.
As a national finalist, Smith will fly to New York for the awards ceremony as well as attend the college award ceremony.
“It’s just so crazy,” Smith said. “It’s not even sinking in yet. I get to go to the actual Heisman Awards, which is crazy I’m hoping I get to see (Heisman winners) Cam Newton and Bo Jackson.
“That would make my life because I’m a big Auburn fan.”
Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.