Hall of Fame

Esther Johnson Smith

  • Class
  • Induction
  • Sport(s)
    Volleyball
Esther Johnson-Smith was a dominant force on the court at Morgan State, where she reached the remarkable
milestone of 1,000 kills as just a sophomore, becoming the first player in program history to achieve this feat.
Her exceptional play earned her second-team All-MEAC honors early in her career, along with recognition for her
academic achievements as a recipient of the MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Award and a first-team Arthur
Ashe Scholar selection. Johnson-Smith continued to excel, later securing first-team All-MEAC honors and a
second selection to the All-MEAC Tournament team. She was also recognized as a team Co-MVP and earned
another MEAC Commissioners All-Academic Award, solidifying her legacy as a true scholar-athlete and one of
the most accomplished players to ever wear a Morgan State jersey.
 
Her collegiate career was nothing short of remarkable, punctuated by consistent high-level performance and
numerous accolades. She burst onto the scene as MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2004, a year that also saw her lead
the conference in total attacks and attempts, earning her a spot on the MEAC All-Tournament Team and a
second-team All-Conference selection. The following years solidified her dominance, earning back-to-back First
Team All-Conference honors in 2005 and 2006. Her consistent excellence was further validated by four MEAC
Rookie of the Week selections and another All-Tournament Team nod in 2005. Even in her final year, 2007, she
remained a force, earning a second-team All-Conference selection, a testament to her enduring impact on the
court.
 
A true standout in Morgan State volleyball history, she rightfully earned a place on the MEAC Top 50 Players of
All Time list. Her dominance is evident in the record books, where she holds two Morgan State single-season kills
records from 2004 and 2005, showcasing her offensive prowess. Furthermore, she demonstrated incredible
consistency and endurance by claiming three single-season attempts records in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Her
defensive skills were equally impressive, as she also secured three single-season dig records during the same
period. Beyond single-season achievements, she cemented her legacy by becoming the First Morgan State All-
Time Career Kills Leader and the First Morgan State All-Time Career Attempts Leader. Rounding out her all-
around Esther Johnson-Smith was a dominant force on the court at Morgan State, where she reached the remarkable
milestone of 1,000 kills as just a sophomore, becoming the first player in program history to achieve this feat.
Her exceptional play earned her second-team All-MEAC honors early in her career, along with recognition for her
academic achievements as a recipient of the MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Award and a first-team Arthur
Ashe Scholar selection. Johnson-Smith continued to excel, later securing first-team All-MEAC honors and a
second selection to the All-MEAC Tournament team. She was also recognized as a team Co-MVP and earned
another MEAC Commissioners All-Academic Award, solidifying her legacy as a true scholar-athlete and one of
the most accomplished players to ever wear a Morgan State jersey.
 
Her collegiate career was nothing short of remarkable, punctuated by consistent high-level performance and
numerous accolades. She burst onto the scene as MEAC Rookie of the Year in 2004, a year that also saw her lead
the conference in total attacks and attempts, earning her a spot on the MEAC All-Tournament Team and a
second-team All-Conference selection. The following years solidified her dominance, earning back-to-back First
Team All-Conference honors in 2005 and 2006. Her consistent excellence was further validated by four MEAC
Rookie of the Week selections and another All-Tournament Team nod in 2005. Even in her final year, 2007, she
remained a force, earning a second-team All-Conference selection, a testament to her enduring impact on the
court.
 
A true standout in Morgan State volleyball history, she rightfully earned a place on the MEAC Top 50 Players of
All Time list. Her dominance is evident in the record books, where she holds two Morgan State single-season kills
records from 2004 and 2005, showcasing her offensive prowess. Furthermore, she demonstrated incredible
consistency and endurance by claiming three single-season attempts records in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Her
defensive skills were equally impressive, as she also secured three single-season dig records during the same
period. Beyond single-season achievements, she cemented her legacy by becoming the First Morgan State All-
Time Career Kills Leader and the First Morgan State All-Time Career Attempts Leader. Rounding out her all-
around contributions, she ranks 10th in Morgan State All-Time Career Aces and 3rd in Morgan State All-Time
Career Digs, solidifying her status as one of the programs most impactful and versatile players., she ranks 10th in Morgan State All-Time Career Aces and 3rd in Morgan State All-Time
Career Digs, solidifying her status as one of the programs most impactful and versatile players.
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