Kelsey Smith, Hamilton Heights senior, has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for the University of Alabama in Birmingham this fall. UAB is a member of Conference USA and a NCAA Division I athletic institution. She is the daughter of Kelly and Wes Smith.
Smith, a force on Hamilton Heights’ volleyball and track teams, has earned a respected reputation on the court, track, and in the classroom. She is the record holder for high jump and the 4×400 relay. In other recognitions as a member of Hamilton Heights Track & Field team, Smith was named MVP her freshman and junior years and named to the All-Conference team as a freshman. Smith, a setter for the Lady Huskies Volleyball team, was named MVP her sophomore and junior years; named to the All-Conference teams her sophomore and junior years; All County teams her freshman, sophomore, and junior years, and Academic All State her senior year. She is sure to earn several more accolades through her athletic endeavors before she graduates in May.
She chose UAB because she enjoyed their playing style and how the players practiced and were coached. “As an athlete, I liked what I saw and felt UAB’s women’s volleyball program would be a good fit for me,” said Smith after her campus visit. “In addition, the campus is beautiful, and their medical program is amazing.” As a student, Smith plans to study healthcare management with the goal of becoming a physical therapist. “There are hospitals all over campus and I think this is the perfect setting for me to excel as I work to pursue my career objectives and play volleyball at the collegiate level,” she noted.
“Kelsey has been a true joy to watch on the volleyball court the past four years,” said Kurt Ogden, Hamilton Heights High School Athletic Director. “She is a tremendous athlete, and her athleticism has paid dividends in the Track & Field program as well. She will leave a void in both programs when she graduates, and her shoes will be hard to fill. But, we are very excited that Kelsey gets to play volleyball at the next level, and we wish her well at UAB.”
“I have been passionate about volleyball for seven years,” Smith noted. “I have focused and worked countless hours to become the best player I can for all the teams that I have been a member. Smith, a member of the National Honor Society, credits her parents for pushing her to be her best inside and outside of the classroom. They kept her motivated to excel in academics and athletics helping to pave the way to this incredible post-secondary opportunity.