By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Following a banner campaign that featured a wealth of success, the Tennessee Tech soccer team picked up two more 2022 accolades, as a pair of Golden Eagles were recently recognized for their star-studded seasons.
Chloe Smith and Yao Giada Zhou both took home places on the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Women's All-South Region squads, with Smith securing a second-team spot and Giada Zhou earning third-team distinction. Smith was the only student-athlete from the Ohio Valley Conference to earn first or second-team recognition, while Giada Zhou accompanied SEMO'S Kayla Koerner as the only two from the conference to find their way onto the third team.
Smith's selection on the second team helped cap off an illustrious Tennessee Tech tenure that saw the senior put together a stellar swan-song season in which she led the OVC in goals with nine, assists with seven and points with 25. The Cincinnati, Ohio product picked up her second-consecutive All-OVC first-team honor and helped lead the purple and gold to their first OVC Tournament championship match appearance since 2009 with a storied semifinal showing in a 5-0 win over Lindenwood.
Smith recorded the eighth hat trick in program history and Tech's second-ever in the OVC Tournament in the win over the Lions. The trio of scores was the program's first since Kendall Powell split the pipes three times in a 4-0 win at Purdue Fort Wayne on Sept. 2, 2018.
Yao Giada Zhou's All-South third-team selection is well warranted after the San Michele al Tagliamento, Italy native compiled a massive 2022 year that resulted in claiming the OVC Midfielder of the Year award as well as a spot on the All-OVC first-team list. Giada Zhou led the conference during the regular season with six assists and added a pair of goals as well behind game-winning strikes in a victory at Middle Tennessee on Sept. 8 and a score in a crucial nod over SIUE on Oct. 6.
Giada Zhou and Smith played a pivotal role in helping guide the Golden Eagles to their second-ever OVC regular-season championship and first conference crown since 1998. Tech seized the No. 1 seed in the OVC Tournament and earned hosting responsibilities in the semifinals and championship match for the first time in program history.
Photos by Jim Dillon
