Smith to play for UCLA

When Corona del Mar High senior Madie Smith read an e-mail message Thursday she began to cry. But the tears proved to her that she made the right choice in playing volleyball at UCLA, rather than sticking with her initial commitment to the University of San Diego.

“The e-mail [from UCLA Associate Athletic Director Mike Sondheimer] said, ‘You can tell Madie, that she is a Bruin,’ ” said Smith, who was a star setter for the Sea Kings. “I was excited to go to USD, but there is a lot of tradition in my family. I’m the 10th in my family to go to UCLA. When I’m given the opportunity to take this I had to take it. It just felt right for me.”

Earlier this month, UCLA Coach Mike Sealy asked Smith to play for the Bruins shortly after becoming the team’s new head man, Smith said.

In addition, the UCLA tradition is strong in the Smith home. Smith’s three older siblings, Jordan, Morgan and Adam, each attended UCLA, as Jordan and Morgan competed for the women’s volleyball program. Smith has had other relatives who also went to UCLA.

Smith, among the top setters in Orange County, can sign with UCLA as early as April 14.

Smith, a three-time Newport-Mesa Dream Team selection, led the Sea Kings to four straight Pacific Coast League titles, as well as two straight appearances in the CIF Southern Section Division II-AA championship match and CIF State Southern California Regional Division II final.

She was PCL Co-Player of the Year as a senior and the league’s Player of the Year as a sophomore. She was also a two-time first-team All-CIF Southern Section Division II-AA selection.

In her senior season, she produced an Orange County-best 1,098 assists and finished with 254 digs, 182 kills, 23 service aces and 23 blocks.