Smallbone will climb to Rocky Top

SOUTH BEND -- Being the cornerstone in the building of an elite women's college basketball program was tempting.

But being a key component of one of the best that's already established was too good to pass up.

Sydney Smallbone weighed her options, but didn't have to think too long. Once Tennessee called, the 5-foot-10 junior sharpshooter from St. Joseph's High School answered.

Tuesday, she called coach Pat Summitt back to commit to play for the Volunteers starting in the fall of 2007. She chose Tennessee over Notre Dame, Indiana and Purdue. Coaches aren't allowed to comment on recruits until they've actually signed a letter-of-intent.

"I met with the (Tennessee) coaches and the players last weekend and it was the right fit," said Smallbone, who has had correspondence with the Vols since she was in eighth grade. "I want to win. The other programs were great, but playing at Tennessee has always been a dream of mine."

Smallbone shares that dream with another former area athlete, Wawasee High School grad Shanna Zolman. The Tennessee senior guard was Smallbone's host on the trip and personal confidante.

"Shanna took me aside, one-on-one, and told me what it really takes to play there," Smallbone said. "She told me about the homesickness you go through as a freshman being so far away."

Zolman didn't sugarcoat what it takes to survive. She's had her share of struggles before emerging as a leader.

"Shanna said that every day is constant work, whether it's practice or a game," Smallbone said. "There's never a day off, but you love it so much you find a way to get through it."

Smallbone, a solid shooter who can catch fire and take over a game, averaged 13 points a game each of the last two seasons. She played a key role in St. Joe's run to the Class 3-A state championship as a sophomore last year and is hoping for a repeat this season.

"One week after the state championship game, Sydney was playing in an AAU tournament," Indians coach Mike Megyese said. "That's the kind of competitor she is. She's not one to rest on her laurels. She knows what she's in for at a place like Tennessee."

One of the expectations will be to add a little defense to her offensive skills.

"I need to pick up my defense," Smallbone said. "That's a big part of the college game."

"If there's one big area that any player going into college has to work on it's defense," Megyese said. "I've had many college coaches tell me that Sydney will be outstanding because of her attitude. She has a body that's built so well to withstand the physical demands of college basketball."