Before ACU
Justin competed for Waxahachie HS during his high school years. During his junior year, he placed 5 th in the District 11-6A discus throw. He improved dramatically during his senior season, first placing 11 th in the Texas Relays DT. He then won the District 11-6A discus, before placing 5 th in a talented field at the Region II-6A DT with a personal best throw of 180-4/54.97m. That throw placed him as the #20 best throw in Texas. His year-over-year improvement in the DT was impressive – throwing 97 6 as a freshman, 121-0 as a sophomore, 152-8 as a junior and finishing his high school career with a personal best throw of 180 4. At ACU, Justin will throw the discus, but is also working on the hammer throw.

Personal
Justin graduated from Waxahachie HS in 2025 – graduating in the Top 10% of his class and an AP Scholar with Distinction. His parents are Jason and Theresa Smithey and he has a brother, Austin, and a sister, Emma. His Father, Jason, competed for the University of Texas also as a thrower and his sister, Emma, competed for Colorado School of Mines in volleyball. At ACU, Justin is a Finance major and in addition to his athletic scholarship, he is also a recipient of the Royce L. Money Chancellor’s Award and the Presidential Scholarship. He has also been active as a volunteer at All Kind Animal Initiative and at his home church – First United Methodist of Waxahachie.

Why did you choose ACU? I chose ACU because of its extremely kind and caring community.

What is your favorite thing about ACU? My favorite thing about ACU so far is the people here. They are always down for a conversation.