Jan. 3, 2005

Specifically, one of those people is former Iowa player and current women's basketball assistant coach Michael Morgan - who also happens to be Smith's father. In addition to having her dad there, Smith has known the other coaches for many years so deciding to attend Iowa became an easy decision for the guard and one that has paid off this year already as Smith was named Big Ten Conference women's basketball co-player of the week on December 20, 2004.

"I have known the coaches since I was 12 years old," said Smith. "I remember the first time I went to one of their camps at Drake University, and there was something about them that made me want to play for them some day. Plus, it was a good opportunity for me to spend time with my dad and my family here."

Smith's presence has meant a lot to Iowa and has helped the Hawkeyes jump out to a 13-0 start to the 2004-05 season entering conference play as one of only tow undefeated teams in the country. It also has meant a lot to Coach Morgan to be able to see his daughter more often since Smith grew up with her mother in Louisiana while Morgan lived in Iowa.

"It has meant a lot because as she was growing up our relationship was more part time," said Morgan. "Due to the distance, we didn't get to see each other very often. Now, we have the unique and special opportunity to be together full time as father and daughter and share in something we both love."

Smith, also considers this time she is spending with him and the knowledge she is gaining from him to be a bonus.

"It's an honor and a blessing to have him as my coach and dad," said Smith. "We get to do so many things together on and off the court. It means a lot to me that we get to share this opportunity. Just having him with me on the court is a blessing. He is like my best friend."

In his playing time at Iowa, Morgan helped the Hawkeyes reach the NCAA Tournament in four consecutive years from 1985-1988. His past success was another thing Smith was able to admire and use to set a goal for herself as her collegiate career began.

"As a kid, there were so many people that I wanted to be like," said the junior. "My dad was one. I would hear stories about how good he was and I wanted to be just like him."

While he is her father, Morgan knows there are things that Smith must work on in order to become a better basketball player in addition to some things that she already excels at.

"Crystal is a player that brings a lot of energy to the floor," added the Hawkeye assistant. "She has been a great defender for us but has now added more to her game offensively. She has to continue to be aggressive on both ends of the floor. The one thing she has worked very hard at dating back to this past summer is her shot. She is shooting the ball with much more confidence this season and will need to continue to work at that and maintain consistency."

Despite being a little tough on her, Smith knows that on the court he is her coach, while off the court he is her dad.

"Actually, he doesn't give me a hard time at all," said Smith. "He is like one of those coaches that can be a parent off the court. He sometimes gets on to me when he knows I can do better. But other that he is the best dad and coach to have at the same time."

For Morgan's part, he does his best to treat all his players equally - no matter who they are.

"I try to stay consistent with the way I coach all of our players and Crystal is no different," said Morgan. "On the practice floor or in a game it's "coach-player." When we are at home eating dinner or watching a movie as a family its "daddy-daughter." We try to keep it all in perspective and I feel like we have done a pretty good job with it."

What they have done a good job with is getting through their non-conference schedule this season undefeated. Now, Smith will continue to try and led the Hawkeyes to a Big Ten title with the help of Morgan - as a mentor, teacher and comrade and father.  

Big Ten Women's Basketball

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