Softball, academics and life in general, Ashlynn Smith seeks to excel in all she does.
That attitude paid off last week when the Lee Academy senior signed a national letter of intent to play softball at Christian Brother University in Memphis.
“They want me to play infield and outfield,” said Smith. “They liked the way I played defense and it just seemed like the right fit for me.”
And while Smith was known for her pitching skills at Lee Academy, she smiles when she says her favorite spot on the diamond is shortstop.
Smith said she liked the small school field of Christian Brothers, they have a new coach and it’s still close to home. She said she has not declared a major.
Lee Academy softball coach Tom Fleming said Smith has good hand speed and makes good decisions on defense. He also talked about her attitude.
“We had a very good fall and part of that success was because of her,” said Fleming. “She is easy to coach. She can play just about any position.
“And there wasn’t a lot of drama on this year’s team and Ashlynn played a part in that, too,” he added. “She came to practice ready to work and she came to games ready to play. She had a lot of fun, but she also knows when to get focused and get serious.”
Smith has played seven years of competitive softball and was part of the American Freedom travel team where she played shortstop, second base and outfield.
Smith started on the Lady Colt softball team as an 8th Grader and won Offensive Player of the Year as a Freshman. Fleming said she has repeatedly won MVP honors in tournaments around the state. She was chosen MAIS All Conference as both a Sophomore and Junior.
Smith also plays basketball and runs track.
Smith is an “A” student and has taken all honors classes that are available at Lee. She held a 97 average at the start of this school year. Ashlynn is also a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program, FCA and Oakhurst Baptist Church youth group.
“I’ve always felt if students leave here better than they got here, we’ve done our job,” said Head of School, Rone Walker. “Ashlynn is certainly one of those students. We are so proud for her and we know she will do something special in life.”
Ashlynn is the daughter of Mandy and Jeff Smith and has a younger sister, Emily Grace. Her grandparents are Billy and Sandie Stacy.
Christian Brothers is a NCAA Division II university and is a private Catholic school. It is the oldest collegiate degree-granting institution in Memphis. CBU is consistently rated one of the best universities in the Southeast and in the nation.
The Lady Bucaneers first softball game of the season will be at high noon Jan. 31, 2020 when they play Trevecca Nazarene University in Huntsville, Ala.
