Meet Rachel Smith: Miss Gainesville, Gatorette and Tri Delt sister
She’s won it twice
Rachel Smith is a senior Telecommunications major at the University of Florida and is also your Miss Gainesville 2013 and 2015. She’s performed with the Gator Marching Band as a Gatorette, works with the UF athletic department and competes in beauty pageants. So pretty much she does it all.
She is the prime example of how to show off your love as a Florida Gator and never fails to be humble and sweet while doing so.
Rachel recently interviewed with The Tab to talk about her accomplishments both within the University of Florida and in the real world.
How did you decide on attending the University of Florida?
I actually first started out at Santa Fe College for two years before I transferred to the University of Florida. I had not originally planned to attend school there, but everything has worked out better than I could have imagined. Attending the University of Florida is honestly a dream come true.
Why did you decide to go Greek?
I really wanted to be involved with the university when I got to Gainesville, but I did not know much about Greek life. I think it worked out that I rushed as a junior, because I knew what I wanted out of Greek life and knew that Tri Delta was the perfect place for me.
Rachel with sisters of Tridelta at UF
What’s your favorite part about being a Gator?
I love the sense of community that comes with being a Gator. I love when I wear a Gator shirt and someone yells “Go Gators!” The Gator Nation is everywhere, and the way it brings us all together is something that is truly amazing. I also love being on the field each halftime with the band as a Gatorette. Hearing 90,000 fans cheer you on as you perform is unlike anything else!
What’s your favorite spot to chill on campus?
I obviously love our football stadium because the way that it is built is so unique, but I have another favorite spot. Located behind the Business School buildings, there is a courtyard and the buildings that face it are covered in vines and there is so much vegetation. I think it’s a really cool place that not many people know about, but it really reminds me of what the school probably looked like back in the day.
Rachel (center) with fellow Gatorettes
What’s your favorite recreational activity?
Rec Sports at UF is truly amazing. Not only do they have great facilities and massive gyms, but they also have Lake Wauburg, which is located outside of campus. They provide a ton of outdoor activities! They have a massive 55ft rock climbing wall, aquatic sports and a huge ropes course free for student groups!
When did you first get into pageantry?
Competing for Miss Florida is something that I was always interested in doing, but I never actually did it until I got to Gainesville. In my first pageant, I ended up winning Miss Gainesville 2013 and then Miss Gainesville 2015 last year. I think the best part of being the titleholder is meeting so many incredible people. Whether it is fellow pageant titleholders, people in the community, celebrities or children from Children’s Miracle Network, being Miss Gainesville is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Rachel with UF Football head coach, Jim McElwain
Do you plan on continuing in pageantry? Maybe the next Miss Florida?
I have decided to compete for Miss University of Florida this upcoming March! As for Miss Florida, I think it would be such a rewarding experience, but I try to take one pageant at a time. However, when I have competed at Miss Florida, I put my game face on and get ready to take on the title.
Rachel with Miss Florida, Mary Katherine Fechtel, also a UF student.
Having competed in pageants, you know just how stressful and nerve wracking it can be. What are your thoughts regarding the past Miss Universe scandal?
I think it is awful what happened. I cannot imagine the emotions those girls went through while being filmed on television for the whole world to see. However, everyone makes mistakes and at this point, it is the new Miss Universe’s job to move on from this experience and be the best ambassador for the Miss Universe Organization that she can be.