West’s Maddison Smith signs with SVSU

Maddison Smith inks her national letter-of-intent flanked by mom, Lila Smith and dad, Mike Smith, Lapeer West Dean of Students, . Photo by Michael Selecky LAPEER — After going 6-8-2 last year, the Saginaw Valley State University women’s soccer team made a move toward replacing the three seniors it lost to graduation by stepping up and signing Lapeer West defenseman Maddison Smith last Tuesday to a national letter-ofintent.

The choice wasn’t an easy one for Smith, either, because Concordia University in Ann Arbor also had its sights set on inking Smith to play for them starting this fall, just like they did her older brother Nathan, who is currently a quarterback for the Cavaliers’ football team.

“I always wanted to play Div. 2 soccer and I liked Saginaw Valley. It’s a pretty campus and I had a good feeling,” said Smith. “I called my brother, I called my sister, I called my other brother, I called my best friend, weighed all the pros and cons and Saginaw Valley came out on top. I’m excited and nervous because I’ve never played that high a level of soccer, and I’m excited to just be there because I’m not far away from home.”

With Smith’s senior season at West awaiting her this spring, she lists her highlights as including beating Lapeer East for the district title in 2011, earning All-State Honorable Mention honors during her sophomore and junior seasons and being named to the All Metro- First Team the last two years.

“At the district game, it was very hot. I almost passed out. It went to a shoot out and that was really exciting. The most exciting game I think I’ve ever played,” Smith said.

Having also considered a multitude of offers from places like Siena Heights University and Ferris State University, Smith tenatively plans on majoring in pre-pharmacy at SVSU. During her time at West, Smith also plays varsity basketball and volleyball for three seasons and is approaching her fourth with the soccer team.

“I talked to the head coach and he likes the way I play and thinks that I’ll fit in well with the team. I’m excited. That makes me feel good. I feel confident I’m going to get playing time,” Smith said. “I”m glad I don’t have to worry about this any more. I know where I’m going and it’s one less thing to worry about. I can focus on school now.”

Smith has also been able to excel academically during her time as a Lady Panther, which would explain her 3.97 grade point average after winning the Flint Metro League Scholar Athlete Award all four years of high school. At SVSU Smith will join several local players on the roster, including Lapeer East grad Kristen Tomczyk and Davison product Abby Bellamy.