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Meet the Lady Bears: NaLyssa Smith

NaLyssa Smith is averaging almost 16 minutes per game and is the only freshman to have played in all 37 Baylor games this season, something only five players, total, have done.

TAMPA, Fla. — Every Baylor fan knows Kalani Brown, Lauren Cox and the starters who have guided the top-ranked Baylor Lady Bears to the National Championship Game.

But a few freshmen in Kim Mulkey’s highly-touted 2019 recruiting class have made a significant impact as well, especially San Antonio product, NaLyssa Smith.

“Filling the role on the team as sort of the sixth man is building my confidence a lot,” Smith said. “Just knowing that, as a freshman, I can come in and help the team so much.”

Smith, a McDonald’s All-American, among other honors, at East Central High School, is averaging almost 16 minutes per game and is the only freshman to have played in all 37 Baylor games this season, something only five players, total, have done.

To be able to do so on one of the sport's biggest stages is something Smith’s hopes were set on as a child.

“Watching women’s basketball was a big role in my house,” Smith said. “Because my dad played basketball and my mom loves basketball, so I used to always watch that and see myself in those shoes and as I got older, I worked hard so that I could play up here.”

Smith’s teammates praise not only her, but her fellow freshman who have made contributions all season, guiding the Lady Bears to an unblemished 21-0 in Big 12 play.

Among those, fellow freshman post player, Queen Egbo.

“We’ve gotten to connect on a different player, like most people don’t get to see,” Egbo said. “Playing with her has definitely been a fun experience, and I can’t wait to grow-- not only with her, but with the team as well.”

Smith logged two points and a block in eight minutes, as one of only two players from Baylor to enter Friday’s semifinal off the bench.

The Lady Bears will face defending national champion Notre Dame in the National Championship Game on Sunday at 5 p.m. central time in Tampa.

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