Q&A with Carroll Lady Dragon soccer captain Stephanie Smith
SOUTHLAKE, Texas — An impressive athlete, certainly, but Stephanie Smith is more than that, she鈥檚 an all-around good person! Part of the Carroll Lady Dragon Soccer 6A State Championship team as a freshman, she is now a senior and a captain.
How did you get interested in your sport?聽
Stephanie Smith: I started playing soccer at a very young age and eventually just fell in love with it thanks to amazing teammates and coaches.
Of what achievement are you most proud?
Smith: My freshman year I was a part of the 6A Soccer State Championship team and this past year I was voted Team Captain by my teammates. Outside of soccer, I am a National Merit Commended Scholar.
What qualities do you value in your teammates?
Smith: I value respect and hard work in my teammates. I believe that when everyone on the team has respect for each other and they work hard for each other the team has a way better chance of being successful.
What makes you a great classmate?
Smith: In class, I聽also believe in hard work and showing respect. I listen to my peers and teachers and study lots to do well in class.
Who inspires you or who do you admire?
Smith: My teammates and coaches inspire me to give my best every day because I know they are giving their best as well. I greatly admire all the older players who have helped me throughout my time in soccer, through their consistent guidance I have learned much about leadership and building a successful team.
What鈥檚 the plan for next year?
Smith: I plan to study Business at the University of Alabama Honors College and eventually attend Law School.
Do you have any rituals or superstitions before an event?聽
Smith: Before every game, I like to listen to music and get my hair braided by one of my teammates.
What is your favorite subject?
Smith: I enjoy math because there are processes to follow to find the right answer and figuring out the right order of these specific steps is like a puzzle.
What qualities do you admire in teachers or coaches?
Smith: I admire coaches and teachers who push me to do better and maximize my capabilities.
What role do your parents play in your education and sports?
Smith: My parents are extremely supportive and encourage me in everything I do. They have always taught me to set high goals and work hard to achieve them which has played a major part in my mindset about education and sports throughout my life.
Do you have a special motto or saying?
Smith: I like the saying 鈥渨ork hard, have fun鈥� because I think that a good balance between being serious and having fun is the key to success.
I am very thankful for coaches who always support me and trust me to take on major leadership roles on the team. My coaches鈥� consistent encouragement makes me feel confident that I can work through any challenges that come my way, no matter how impossible they seem.
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