Cedarville University and Shawnee High School graduate Brittany Smart is busy making a name for herself in Belgium playing professional women's basketball. We recently caught up with her by e-mail and asked her a few questions:

Q What has been the most rewarding part about playing overseas?

A "Getting to play at a higher level. Experiencing a new culture and life outside of great America. Learning to make it on your own and rely on God instead of relying on your familiar surroundings, people, etc. Being able to spread the gospel all parts of the world like the Lord commands each and everyone of us to 'share the good news,' and what a better way to share through sports."

Q How is this stop in Belgium fitting into your life goals?

A "This stop in Belgium, if I want to keep playing ball, will prepare me to keep moving up in the business of professional basketball and making it to the best league with the best players. If I don't keep playing basketball, I have always wanted to have my own basketball/fitness gym and I have broadened my horizons and knowledge of the game!"

Q What are the differences between living in Springfield and Belgium?

A "It does not really snow. Not much sun. Green, green grass. Girls wear boots everywhere. Their world does not revolve around sports. The roads are more curvy and hilly. The cars are all small and stick shift. Belgium is more historical. They have cobblestone sidewalks. In Europe, they use the train to go everywhere, and it is more expensive to live here than in America."

Q What's next for you after your season ends in late April?

A "It's hard to tell what will be my next step after April. I guess we'll have to see how good (or bad, ha ha) my stats will be, and see if a team will want me. What if I get hurt? What if I am burnt out? I will have to go with the flow like I did last summer and wait on the Lord."

Q When will you know your next step.

A "He will provide an answer for me, just like He came through last summer."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364 or krowe@coxohio.com.