Sydney Smith
Sophomore outside hitter Sydney Smith is a force to be reckoned with on the volleyball court. While she is a young player, her skill should not be underestimated. Smith is a vital part of KO’s volleyball team and is crucial to their success.This year she has an even bigger role than last year, and her presence is felt every game. Her skill level is years beyond her age as she continues to get better as the season progresses.
Head Coach Scott McDonald said that she is very talented, but she doesn’t show it off. He said she is competitive and hard working. “She embodies everything we strive to do,” Coach McDonald said. “She is hard working, committed, talented, and a great team player.” Smith also plays for the high performance (HP) team at the Husky Volleyball club. She started playing in the fall of eighth grade and fell in love with the sport. She hopes to play in college and loves playing for KO. “I love the community aspect of the team,” Smith said. “Everyone is kind and encouraging.”
She added that she loved playing with her sister, alumna Emma Smith ’18, last year on the team. Smith said that her personal goal for the season is to always be positive and help players learn and grow as much as she can. Senior Captain Madi Henry said that Sydney is always positive and knows what she’s talking about. “She is always there to give tips and help teammates on technical things,” Henry said.
Coach McDonald said that she has become a much stronger hitter since last year. He said that through her work ethic and dedication she will continue to become more consistent. “She is already emerging as a positive leader on the team, and I think this will naturally continue into formal leadership roles on the team,” Coach McDonald said. “She is vital to the team’s success.”
She is carrying on the Smith legacy in the KO volleyball program as she dominates on the court. She also impressively plays two other varsity sports while juggling her school work, as well. One might call her a superwoman or simply incredible at the very least as she continues to improve and surprise her opponents with her remarkable skill and effort that she brings to the table every day.
