keeping

her EYES

on the

SPORTS October 31, 2014

Playmaker Profile:Ashley Smith

PHOTOS BY: INNES HICSASMAZ and ELISE GOODVIN

By Becca Meyer As the music starts to fill the gym, City High’s varsity volleyball team runs excitedly onto the court, ready to play. Ashley Smith ‘16 looks up at the stands full of people and sees something she is not used to; everything from the walls to the volleyballs are red and white. This is Smith’s first year at City High, and she has had to adjust from being a Tipton Tiger to a Little Hawk. “I came to City because I wanted more opportunities,” Smith said. “I wanted to be at a bigger school where I could meet a bunch of new people.” Smith transferred at the beginning of this school year from Tipton High School, but she has been involved at City High for over two years. During the spring of her freshman year, Smith joined the varsity soccer team because her school was too small to have one of their own. This year, Smith is a big contributor to the varsity volleyball team as well. “I love being on the City High team because the chemistry is so great,” Smith said. “I feel like I’ve known everyone on the team forever and I just met most of them this year.” The results of that chemistry are starting to show for the team. They currently have a record of (22-10) and recently captured the title of conference champions. “Being conference champions is super exciting for our team,” Smith said. “Winning is such a great feeling, the rush is awesome and celebrating with the whole squad is a lot of fun.”

Being a part of a conference champion team is not the only accomplishment Smith has had this season. As the libero, she leads the team in passing, averaging 5.58 digs per set, and has a total of 474 digs. Smith hopes her hard work and passion for volleyball will lead her to a D1 college in the upcoming future. “My dream college to go to would be UMKC. The location is awesome and the defensive specialist coach is one of the greatest coaches I’ve ever met,” Smith said. “I for sure want to play volleyball in college, I can’t think of any other way I’d want to spend my time.” Smith has put many hours of effort into becoming a better player, which she hopes will pay off with a volleyball scholarship. Overcoming the nerves of being at a new school has only made her that much stronger of an athlete. “When I first came I was really scared to come to City, because I thought no one would be open minded to new players coming in,” Smith said. “But when I came everyone was so encouraging and supportive; especially throughout the summer at league games” Although the team welcomed Smith with open arms and made her feel at home, she still gets butterflies before every game. “I get really nervous before games, because coming to City High. I don’t know what kind of talent there is from the other teams because City is in a different conference than Tipton,” Smith said. Nevertheless, Smith always pulls through and plays her game no matter what team City comes up against. “It’s always a surprise to see who is on the other side of the net.” Smith said. “But I’m always ready for whoever it is.”

ball Stats on Smith 5.58 digs per set on average

25 total aces

Plays on Rockets Club Team

Played 85 sets

315 total serves

Stands 5 foot 7 inches

Has played v-ball for 7 years

B12

474 total digs