"Last year was like a big surprise," said Smith, who was named NCAA II National Women's Cross Country Runner of the Year. "But this year, it was kind of expected. It's been on my to-do list for a few months — win the national championship. Check. Got that done."

Smith, 20, won the 6-kilometer, mud-filled race in 21 minutes 33 seconds, just three seconds faster than Allison Kreutzer of Clayton State. Smith is the fifth woman in NCAA II history to win two cross country individual titles. No one has won three times.

"That was the hardest race," Smith said. "I can handle the race physically, but mentally it's so hard. During the race when I took the lead (at about the mile-and-a-half mark), it was like I was being chased by a pack of wolves — they were nice wolves, nice girls, but it was very intense the whole time."

Smith, who will graduate in December a year early, has earned a full scholarship to run for BYU-Provo starting next year. Smith has one year of cross country eligibility and two years of indoor and outdoor track.

"I'm excited," said Smith, an exercise and sports science major. "I'm going from a big fish in a little pond to a little fish in a big pond."

In addition to her promotion to Division I, Smith is getting married to Southern Utah University student Brian Mc-Kell, 22, next year.

"I'm pretty dang happy," Smith said. "I'm getting married in April. My fiancé is here for the Thanksgiving holiday. I won the national championship, and school is almost over. I'm about the happiest girl in the whole world."

Smith, who is called the "Hawai'i girl" at Mainland races, said she displayed a shaka sign when she crossed the finish line as a way to show her appreciation of Hawai'i.

"I love representing Hawai'i and representing my school," Smith said.

Smith's family, friends and BYU coach Patrick Shane traveled to Indiana to watch her race. Smith said she used their presence and prayers from her grandmother for added motivation.

"I remember all those things," Smith said. "That's what fuels me when it gets hard."

Smith credited BYUH coach Norman Kaluhiokalani for her accolades. It was Kaluhiokalani who offered Smith a scholarship after she joined the team as a walk-on.

"Coach was wonderful," Smith said. "He comes across as a pretty stern, tough guy, but I really admire him. He's done a lot for me."

Kaluhiokalani said Smith responded well to training and competition. He said she was an unheralded runner at Mount Spokane High School (Wash.), but excelled in college.

"She's a very rare individual," Kaluhiokalani said. "Now she goes on to Provo. I'm excited for her. She was an excitement you have only once in a while. It was a great ride."