On April 7, sophomore Logan Smith, outside hitter for the Lady Bisons volleyball team, was named Great American Conference Player of the Year.
Head Coach Meredith Fear said Smith carries a lot of responsibility on the court and always rises to the occasion.
“The team was incredibly excited and very proud,” Fear said. “We talk a lot about the fact that a celebration of one player is a celebration of the entire team. In this sport, it takes everyone for even one person to succeed. You can’t be a great hitter without great passers and a great setter. In my opinion, it is the truest team sport. Logan is a fantastic athlete and person and has such a sweet, humble spirit. She shines incredibly bright but never seeks the spotlight.”
Freshman defensive specialist Riley Pickett said she learned Smith won the award just before the conference tournament.
“Logan is one of the most humble people I have ever met,” Pickett said. “She always gives 100% and is always working to make her teammates better. Logan loves the Lord and has such a kind soul. She never fails to make you feel like you belong. I look up to Logan on and off the court because of her work ethic and her loving personality.”
Sophomore middle blocker Kelli McKinnon said there is never a time when she is not smiling, laughing or having a great time when Smith is around.
“I don’t think there is anyone more deserving of this award than Logan,” McKinnon said. “She is the type of player many people strive to become — one who is always present, all in, and who brings it every time. She is the heart of our team, leading by example every time she is on the court, and because of this, it came as no surprise to me when she earned this award.”
Smith was not one to claim the glory, rather, she recognized her team who helped her everyday on this journey.
“If my teammates weren’t as willing to push one another by doing their best in practices and in games, I wouldn’t have been able to grow as a player myself,” Smith said. “I’m grateful that God has blessed me with the ability to play the sport I love so much.”
