WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Monmouth University senior Farrah Smoke is a trifecta of talent. Fresh off a winning senior day match, Smoke is feeling bittersweet about the end of an era being in sight. Smoke is not just the average college athlete. She is a star tennis player, a dean’s list student, and is a member of the United States Air Force ROTC. This may seem like a crippling amount of responsibility, but Smoke’s upbeat demeanor dismisses all signs of stress.
Smoke was introduced to tennis at a young age by her parents Edward and Kim. They told her to pick one sport and stick with it. This was an idea that proved to be effective for Smoke’s future. Tennis quickly became her favorite sport, and her passion for the game has remained with her for the last 12 years. The sport holds a special place in her heart because it was an activity she was able to enjoy with her three siblings. Her childhood memories are filled sharing the hobby she loved the most with her closest family members.
Since then, tennis has grown into more than just a hobby. She was a four-year letter winner for the Manasquan High School tennis team, and earned a Division III Singles and Doubles National Championship while playing at Brookedale Community College. For the last two years, Smoke has been a player for the Monmouth University tennis team. She plays number one doubles for the women’s team and has proved to be a key element to their success.
But Smoke has set her sights on something bigger than tennis; upon graduation in May, she will be commissioned as a second lieutenant for the U.S Air Force. Growing up, Smoke was always intrigued by military members. Like tennis, her family played an important role in Smoke getting involved in a branch of military.
“My older brother and sister both graduated from military academies and are currently serving as officers, which inspired me join the armed forces as well. I decided to join the Air Force because I felt connected to the mission and culture,” says Smoke.
Her ROTC, school, and tennis responsibilities send her around the state daily. She spends the first five hours of her day at ROTC
training at Rutgers University, then travels back to Monmouth County to attend classes at Monmouth University, then begins tennis practice with the team. But Smoke does not let this overwhelm her, and although admits it is time consuming, she argues that it is time well spent. “Each semesters takes slight adjustments here or there but when you love what you do every day the time seems to manage itself.”
Farrah is also an outstanding student who often earns praise from her teachers. Monmouth University Professor Lisa Allaco, a professor of Smokes, said “Farrah is a serious student. She demonstrates strong analytical skills, confidence and maturity in her approach to her academics which is all nicely wrapped in a very pleasant demeanor. I have no doubt that Farrah has a bright career in store for her future. I’m so fortunate to have had her in my class.”
As the year winds down and graduation creeps closer, Smoke is making an effort to savor some of here last moments at Monmouth University. Smoke says, “Time goes by so quickly and I have a habit of getting caught up in what is next on my “to do” list. It is important to enjoy each moment because college memories are meant to be cherished.”
