MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – This season, the No. 21-ranked West Virginia University gymnastics team will lift the veil and give Mountaineer fans a closer look in The Extra Tenth. Each Monday, a different gymnast will be featured.

The 13th edition features junior Erica Smith. An integral member of the team’s bars and beam lineups, she has scored a career-high 9.85 on both events this season. The Blue Springs, Mo., native has proven to be a great leadoff for the Mountaineers on beam. Just yesterday, she helped the Mountaineers solidify a win on the road, as she scored 9.75 on beam and finished fourth overall at George Washington.


Full Name: Erica Samone Smith

Birthday: May 24

What’s on TV: One Tree Hill

What’s in my iPod: Any R&B or rap - no country!

Favorite Movie: The Wizard of Oz

Favorite electronic device: iPhone

Superstitions: I don’t believe in superstitions

Worst habit: Playing with my hair

Favorite late-night snack: Ice cream

Pop or soda: Pop

Chocolate or caramel: Neither!

Early riser or night owl: A little of both

Bus or PRT: Neither – I prefer to drive

Swimsuit or snowsuit: Swimsuit

Facebook or Twitter: Twitter

Favorite weekend activity: Shopping

Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Jon Jay (outfielder, St. Louis Cardinals)

Favorite magazine: Cosmopolitan

Which reality show would you do best on: Basketball Wives

Teammate destined for 15 minutes of fame: Myself

Best Dressed on Team: I would have to nominate myself, too

Favorite road-trip ritual: I don’t believe in these, either!

Tops on my bucket list: To get married and travel