Former Furman women's basketball standout Jackie Smith has joined the ranks of Lady Paladin athletes playing professionally after graduation. Smith was officially notified on Tuesday that she has made the Osiris-Aalst team in Aalst, Belgium, just outside of Brussels.

Smith flew to Belgium two weeks ago for an extended tryout in the preseason, and scored 36 points with 17 rebounds in an exhibition game on Sept. 3. Since then, she has continued to practice with the team and was waiting for a final decision from management, which came yesterday.

As a four-year letterwinner at Furman, Smith was a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year, three time all-conference selection, and two-time Southern Conference All-Tournament choice. In addition, she led the team in scoring, rebounding, and free throw percentage three years in a row, and was integral in the Lady Paladins' success in the 2000 Southern Conference Tournament.