Congratulations to Mackenzie Smith a senior at Sherman High School. Mackenzie recently accepted a scholarship offer from Glenville State College and signed a National Letter of Intent. Mackenzie will be playing softball for the Glenville Pioneers in the fall of 2013 after she graduates.
Mackenzie is the daughter of Fred and Paula Smith of Sylvester.
Mackenzie’s softball career started on the little league field when she was only 6 years old. Her passion and love for the game continued to grow as she grew up herself. Mackenzie, or Goob as know in the softball world, has played softball ever since. Her first coach on a sanctioned ASA Travel Team was AB Brown of Madison. AB says, “I really enjoyed coaching Goob and I am so proud of her. “
Mackenzie has filled in and played with many teams throughout her softball career, just like TNT Explosion, a team out of Lincoln County winning several Championships while playing with them. She says, “I really had a good time playing with those girls and with Coach Keith Cook.”
Mackenzie has played for the last three years with the WV Mountain Thunder ASA Team. This is a team based out of Huntington, WV. “We travel all summer long with my Summer Sister’s”, says Mackenzie. That is what she calls her summer team. “I have met and made lifelong friends that will forever be a part of my life and a part of my parent’s life. We are just one big softball family. We have traveled everywhere playing together in Florida, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado and of Course West Virginia. WE (Mountain Thunder) won the ASA Gold National Championship in Virginia this year. My coaches for Mountain Thunder, Steve Watts, Dallas Kelly and Presley Adkins are awesome. I am so thankful to all of them. “We are together all year long playing in the summer months and conditioning inside in the winter months. They are my family.” Presley Adkins says, I Love Goob, she is a great ballplayer and a great girl. She works hard and deserves all the recognition that she gets. “
Mackenzie broke several records in her junior year of High School. She currently holds the Career Home Run Record at Sherman High School and the Single Season Home Run Record at Sherman High School. She hopes to add a few more home runs to that record this season. Coach Henderson says “I want her to get at least 10 more before she graduates”. He also said at the signing party that “Goob is the most prolific hitter I have ever seen at Sherman High School.” He told her he expects her to get some more hits and home runs this season. Coach Terri Dawn Williams has coached Mackenzie in Volleyball, Basketball and Softball since her freshman year. “I will sure miss the Goob. It won’t be the same without her.” she said.
Mackenzie’s parents, Fred (a Glenville State College Alumni) and Paula are so very proud of her. “She is an honor student, a great athlete and a beautiful person on the inside and out” they said. “She has brought us and continues to bring us so much joy. We love watching her play and look forward to watching her play at the next level.” Senior year has already brought a few tearful moments though, just like today”said Paula.
Mackenzie says, “I want to thank Coach Sansbury and Glenville State College for giving me the opportunity to continue playing softball. I love the game and I am not ready to retire just yet,” She says this with a smile on her face, a smile that is there on and off the field. I thank God that he gave me the ability to play. I just love to play.”
“I really appreciate everyone being here today, and I appreciate my family and friends that come to my games and support me. I am so blessed. I have family support, my mom and dad they have never missed a game. They have hauled me everywhere to play ball and to practices. We have lots of fun memories. Other family members and friends travel many miles to watch my games. They come from Pittsburgh and even, Georgia. They always make a point to be there for me, whether I am playing locally or out of state. I am so lucky here at Sherman High School to also have the support of my friends. Our students are the best fans. “I got a little choked up today. It is sad that this part of it is coming to an end for me. It has sure been an awesome ride! I have enjoyed every minute of it.”
Congratulations Mackenzie. Sherman High School, Your Coaches, Family and Friends all wish you the very best of luck and continued success as you start the next level in your athletic career!
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