Feb. 11, 2008

STANFORD, Calif. - The Stanford men's water polo team added a potent weapon to its arsenal as Head Coach John Vargas announced the signing of U.S. Youth National Team member Jacob Smith to a National Letter-Of-Intent. Smith, a graduate of Coronado High School, will make his Cardinal debut in the 2008 season.

"I am very excited to have signed Jacob Smith," Vargas said. "Jacob's athletic ability and academic record is incredible. He is a fundamentally sound player with dynamic offensive skills. I believe Jacob will make an immediate impact on our team."

Smith, a 6-2 driver and arguably the top recruit in the country, is coming off of a banner season in 2007, which saw him garner San Diego Union-Tribune Player of the Year honors after leading his Coronado High squad to its first CIF San Diego Section Division II title in five years. For the season, Smith scored 83 goals (while shooting 53%), had 18 assists, 63 steals, and 20 ejections drawn, earning him the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player award.

In addition to his athletic achievements at both the prep and youth national levels, Smith is a decorated student, being earned the National AP Scholar Award in 2007 as well as being the winner of the 2007 Golden Tassel Academic-Athletic Excellence Award.

The Cardinal, which finished the 2007 season ranked fourth in the national polls, will turn its sights on aiming for the 2008 NCAA Championships, to be hosted at the Avery Aquatic Center.