Story By: JaMirah Borden
Not all high school athletes decide to keep playing their respective sports at the collegiate level. Sometimes they just want to focus on school. That’s not the case for UM softball player Lindsy Smith.
Lindsy is a sophomore Communications major from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Before coming to the University of Montevallo, she played at Tuscaloosa County High School.
Smith started playing when she was 5-years-old. “My dad played baseball, and when he turned 18, he had a scholarship but unfortunately had to go to the military instead. I basically lived through him, and he definitely influenced me to be an athlete,” says Smith.
Playing softball after high school has always been the goal, but she didn’t know if it would be the official plan. Luckily for her, everything worked out.
When it comes to being a college athlete, multiple benefits go with it. “It has lots of advantages and benefits to it. It’s definitely a full-time job, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world because it’s a luxury and an opportunity that a lot of people don’t get,” says Smith. Even being a student-athlete has its advantages and disadvantages.
Since starting to play softball, Smith’s most significant accomplishment is gaining the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. “Only 7% of athletes get the chance to go and play in college. Last year, I had the red shirt, and I’m just now getting over an ankle injury, so I haven’t been able to make my mark yet. It’s on the come-up, though. Don’t worry”, says Smith.
One of her teammates, Kinley Adams, committed to UM before Lindsy had done so. Adams is from New Market, Alabama, which outside of Huntsville. Smith and Adams met at a camp where other commits came before the school year started.
All the commits came to a camp two summers ago. She [Lindsy] wasn’t committed yet, but we talked the entire camp. I basically talked to her more than anybody. When she committed here [Montevallo], I saw she was added to the group chat, and I was like, ‘oh my God, I have to room with her.’
Kinley Adams
As softball players, both Adams and Smith have played different positions. “I’ve played in the outfield, third base, and I used to be catcher as well. I’ve had two shoulder injuries, so I’m primarily at first base now, since it’s less throwing”, says Smith.
“I play pretty much everywhere. I’m a utility player, so I play middle, infield, and outfield”, says Adams.
insert pictures from them on softball field here – picture of them together – shots from the game
After college, Lindsy plans to obtain her Master’s degree in either Communication or Psychology. She also wants to have her foot in the door with sports. Smith says she can potentially have her own travel team one day or even help coach a team. “I definitely want to still be a part of the game, but I also want a career for myself.”
“My advice would be to keep working hard and put your mental health first.”
Lindsy Smith
Students wanting to continue playing softball or any other collegiate sport should know its time commitment. Smith says, “you have to want it with everything you’ve got, and you have to make sacrifices. The advantages will outweigh the early mornings, long hours, and all that. My advice would be to keep working hard and put your mental health first”.
The 2022 softball season has just begun. To see the upcoming games, you can find the schedule here. The team’s next home game is on March 9th against Georgia Southwestern State University.
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