Autumn Smith | Louisiana Tech's Women's Basketball
Hometown/Current City: Arlington, Texas
Undergraduate Major: Biological Sciences (Biology) with a Pre-Med concentration
Postgraduate Field of Study: Physician Assistant (PA) Studies / PA School
What path did you take professionally after college?
After college, I focused on preparing for Physician Assistant (PA) school. I’m currently in the process of strengthening my application by gaining hands-on clinical experience. In the meantime, I’ve been shadowing practicing PAs and other healthcare providers to deepen my understanding of the profession. I’m also working on building my patient-care hours through direct, hands-on roles that allow me to develop the skills and experiences needed for PA school. Overall, my post-college path has been centered on immersing myself in the medical field and becoming as prepared as possible for the PA program.
What do you enjoy most about your current role or profession?
What I enjoy most about my current role is the opportunity to work directly with people. I love being able to support patients, connect with them on a human level, and play a part in making their healthcare experience a little easier. Every interaction teaches me something, whether it’s communication, empathy, or clinical skills and reinforces why I’m pursuing a future in the medical field. Being in a position where I can help others, even in small ways, is genuinely fulfilling and motivates me to keep growing.
What’s your favorite memory from college athletics?
My favorite memory from college athletics is winning our CUSA conference rings. That is something I’ll never forget. The energy, the pride, and that feeling of accomplishing something together after all the hours we put in. It was one of those moments where everything came full circle.
But honestly, some of the moments that mean the most to me weren’t even on the court. It was the bus rides on our away trips where we laughed, talked, shared music, and just being present with each other. Those long rides turned into some of our best memories.
Any new hobbies since college?
Since college, I’ve picked up a couple of new hobbies that have really become part of my routine. I’ve got much more into working out. It helps me stay focused, manage stress, and feel my best. I’ve also taken an interest in cooking, mainly in exploring healthy and balanced meals. I enjoy trying new recipes and finding nutritious options that fit well into my routine. It has become an enjoyable way for me to unwind while supporting my overall well-being.
What advice would you share with current student-athletes?
My advice for current student-athletes is to stay disciplined and focused on your long-term goals. There will be moments when things feel difficult or overwhelming, but that’s simply part of the journey. Don’t allow outside distractions or other people’s opinions to pull you away from what you’re working toward.
Learn to balance your responsibilities by prioritizing what truly matters, which is your education, your sport, and your personal growth. Hold yourself accountable. Don’t put things off, instead show up, put the work in, and stay driven even on the days you don’t feel like it.
It’s also important to take care of your mindset. Speak positive affirmations over yourself, keep your confidence grounded, and lean on your faith. Staying connected to God has helped guide me, especially during tough stretches.
Ultimately, the discipline and habits you build now will carry you far beyond athletics. Stay committed, stay focused, and trust the process.
How have your career goals evolved from college to now?
Since college, my career goals have become more personal and meaningful to me. I’ve always known I wanted to be in the medical field, but with time, experience, and a lot of reflection, I realized that becoming a PA was something I wanted to pursue.
What started as a broad interest in healthcare has turned into a true sense of purpose. Through shadowing, hands-on experience, and being around patients, I’ve learned how much I value connection and being able to make a real difference in someone’s life. Those moments, big and small, have shaped the direction I’m taking now.
My goals have evolved from simply figuring out a career path to truly pursuing a role where I can serve, grow, and pour into others. Choosing the PA route feels like the most authentic next step for who I am and who I want to become.
What impact did being a college athlete have on your professional life?
Being a college athlete has had a huge impact on my professional life. It taught me discipline and focus, skills I rely on every single day. Competing at a high level meant pushing through challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, and that experience showed me how to handle adversity with resilience instead of backing down.
It also taught me how to balance my priorities. As an athlete, I had to manage school, training, and my personal life without letting any area slip. That carried over into my professional goals and helped me become a more organized, goal-oriented person. I learned how to stay committed to what matters while still allowing myself to enjoy life and stay grounded, without getting distracted from my long-term vision.
Overall, being a college athlete shaped my work ethic, my mindset, and the way I approach challenges. It gave me habits and perspectives that continue to support me as I grow in my career.