Jan. 22, 2008

PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Department of Housing and Residence Life, in collaboration with the UWF Athletics Department, will honor the memory of first year student, Danielle Smith, a resident of Argo Hall and member of the UWF Golf Team, by holding a Candle Light Vigil in her remembrance Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. outside of Argo Hall.

Smith died Jan. 12 after injuries sustained in an automobile accident Jan. 11 in Madison County, near Tallahassee. Smith, 19, was traveling to her home in Middleburg, located near Jacksonsville, when the accident occurred on Interstate-10. According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Smith's vehicle, an SUV, hydroplaned when hitting a large patch of water during a storm. Smith lost control and the car struck trees along the nearby roadside. Flags have been lowered at UWF in Smith's memory.

"Danielle was a wonderful young lady with a winning smile. She was full of energy and spirit. She never for one minute gave this team anything less than 100 percent of herself. She had potential to do great things on and off the golf course. Her determination to improve was not only for herself, as she truly cared for the whole team, and was an incredible encourager to all her teammates. She would have been a great team leader, and we dedicate this season to her," stated West Florida's Head Women's Golf Coach Robin Dezarn. Dezarn and her team have been joined by the entire athletic department in grieving the loss.

Smith participated this fall for West Florida's women's golf team, and had a promising future. In the Bubba Watson Invitational, she tied for 30th place in the nine team tournament won by the Argonauts. She was one of five freshmen on the Women's Golf team, that represented a youthful but talented squad. The spring season begins in February, and Smith will be with the team in spirit.

UWF Athletics is deeply saddened for the loss of a member of our family. Danielle Smith was a promising leader within our student athletes, and she will be greatly missed by all of us.