Danielle Smith has blazed a historic trail since leaving Whitehall High School four years ago, forging a college career that saw her win multiple championships as well as overcoming some hardships.

Smith, a former two-time District XI champ in both the 100 and 200 meters, graduated from East Stroudsburg University in May, leaving behind a legacy that put her atop the record books in ESU track and field history. Smith won eight Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles during her four years at ESU, setting the mark during this year's indoor season in the 60 meters when she ran 7.62 to capture first.

She also set the school record in the 200 meters while competing in the indoor season this year (her 60 meter time was a school record as well), finishing her career with nine school records in the sprints and sprint relays.

Winning those eight PSAC titles and setting numerous school records in the process, was even a bit surprising to Smith who knew the level of competition would significantly increase once she got to ESU.

"I think I did better than I expected," said Smith.

As rewarding as all those championships were, what happened to her in her final meet of her junior year may have given the most rewarding feeling of all since it gave her a whole new perspective on competition and contributed to her growth as an athlete. And even though it took its toll both physically and emotionally, she was able to rise above it and become a better runner for having gone through the ordeal.

Smith was running in the 4x100 relay at the PSAC Championships in 2014 when she thought she thought she may have sprained her ankle. After an initial check by the training staff, Smith was cleared to compete in her remaining events which included the 100 meters (in which she set the school record), and the 200.

However, it was later revealed that Smith had broken her foot. The fact that she was able to finish second in the 100 and set a new school record, breaking her previous mark, was a remarkable feat.

"It was pure adrenaline," Smith said.

It was the first time Smith had ever broken a bone, joking with her mother about the situation, noting of all the bones to break, why couldn't it be her wrist, something that's not as critical to running.

She spent that summer in a boot, not able to train at all for her senior season. She also developed tendinitis and was dealing with shin splints, further complicating her comeback.

She was cleared to run just before the start of ESU's indoor season, and her customary competition schedule was altered. She was now running more of the middle distances. Smith said that at their conference meet, she ran two 400s and two 200s, with the final tally at three 400s over the two-day event.

"It was a lot harder double than I was used to," Smith said.

During the Penn Relays this year, Smith said that Warrior head track and field coach Chris Merli pulled her aside, concerned about her mental state given all that she was going through her final year. Smith said she didn't care about finishing first, she had accomplished more than she ever dreamed, and was satisfied with the place that she had carved out in women's track and field.

She knew she had come a long way from that shy kid who barely spoke. Now, she wasn't afraid to voice her opinions, letting her coach know what she was comfortable running.

"I was mentally much stronger throughout my four years," said Smith. "I matured a lot."

Part of that maturation process included volunteering to run the first leg in the woman's 4x400 relay in the PSAC Championships this spring, something that would have been unthinkable in the past since she felt more comfortable in the second leg chasing people down.

"I probably would have cried if that happened earlier in my career," she said.

Smith wound up as the only woman competitor in the PSACs to make it back to the finals in both the 400 and 200 races this year, an accomplishment she was extremely proud of given all she had been through this year. In total, Smith ran four races, including the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

"Inerve-rackingwracking day, but it ended really well," she said.

Merli had first noticed Smith at a Whitehall meet. She caught his eye running the second leg of the 4x100 relay. Whitehall head coach James Sebesta told him the newcomer was Danielle Smith, a former softball player who converted to track.

Merli was bowled over by her talent. Soon he would be witnessing that talent firsthand as she came roaring out of the gate, earning PSAC Freshman of the Yearner both indoors and outdoors, establishing her first school record that spring in the 100 meters.

"She really had a great career," said Merli who just completed hist 18th season as the ESU head coach. "She was just a great kid. Even though she was banged up [her senior season], she was still satisfied with what she had done."

He also watched her grow as an athlete, gaining that mental toughness once she had to overcome that physical setback.

"She just showed how tough she was," he said. "She put in a lot of work with her rehab."

Merli said that when opposing coaches would see Smith, most often they would associate her with the distance races. She had the frame of a miler. But when she got in those blocks and dashed down the straightaway, she was a rocket.

"Her turnover's ridiculous," said Merli. "Danni's really something."

It was an unfortunate break, but one that Smith felt benefitted her in the long run.

"Breaking my foot motivated me to work that much harder," said Smith. "I've matured so much as an athlete. I'm proud of myself for stepping up the way I had to my senior year."

Smith leaves school with a Bachelor of Sciences Degree, graduating on May 9. She's pursuing a career in social work, and is now in the process of applying for a Master's Degree.

Of all that's she's accomplished, her work in the classroom perhaps stands above them all. She said she got good grades and graduated with honors, something she never did while at Whitehall. She also earned All-Academic honors from the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association for 2013 and 2014.