HAMLET – One Richmond Ninth Grade Academy student is hoping to don the green and gold and make her way onto the diamond is Kassie Smith. On Thursday, she joined the Lady Raiders at Richmond Senior High School for the first day of workouts.
With a good number of returnees, as well as many other talented ladies moving up from the middle schools, making it onto either the varsity or junior varsity roster will be a challenge. However, Smith has proven to be a hard worker and has plenty of experience.
During her stint at Hamlet Middle School, Smith contributed her time and talents to the Lady Red Rams softball team and has actively participated in travel ball.
However, Smith didn’t wait until the spring to officially earn her status as a Lady Raider athlete. She is currently a member of Richmond’s swim team, a program only in its second year of existence.
While she may not be putting up any numbers that are going to turn a lot of heads just yet, she has steadily improved each week. Even with no background in the sport, her drive and work ethic will make her a big part of the young program’s future.
“I don’t have any swimming experience besides the backyard pool,” Smith said following a meet earlier this season. “I’ve been swimming during practice, staying after practice, and going to the gym on my own time. Overall, my plan is to improve my time so that I can put points on the board for my team.”
When asked about her favorite sports experience, her response did not include the diamond or the pool. While at Hamlet Middle School, she was also a cheerleader. It was during her time cheering on the sidelines that led to one of her most memorable sports moments.
“My fondest memory was going to the football championship during my eighth grade year,” Smith recalled. “The last cheer of the game that we did was my all-time favorite.”
Smith is well-known for her faith in Christ. She carries a strong spiritual presence with her into all that she does. While group prayers by Richmond teams have gained a lot of attention lately, Smith takes a more personal approach.
“The night before my games or meets, I always pack my uniform and all of my necessities for the sport,” Smith said of her pre-competition ritual. “I always take my earrings out first, then my ring, and lastly my necklace. After I’ve done everything, I always pray.”
Smith attends St. James Catholic Church in Hamlet and actively participates in the church’s many activities and youth group.
“I have watched Kassie Smith grow up in her Faith at St. James,” shared Cecilia Wilson, Faith Formation Director at St. James. “She has always been willing to lend a helping hand whenever asked. She's a polite young lady and works hard for what she wants to achieve. She's a very sweet girl, a real gem.
“Kassie is a product if her parents,” Wilson added. “They have shaped her more than anyone. She's just a precious girl and will do great at whatever she tries to accomplish.”
Smith is also very successful in the classroom. She consistently remained on the “A” Honor Roll at Fairview Heights and Hamlet Middle School, and has now continued that trend at the Ninth Grade Academy. She is also a member of the BETA Club and the Fellowship of Christian Students.
“My favorite school subject is ELA,” Smith said. “I like ELA because I’ve always liked to read and find stories that I could relate to.”
With her love for reading, it’s no surprise that she is cherished by her English teacher.
“I was fortunate enough not only to have Kassie in my Honors English I class this semester, but to also be one of her Beta Club advisors,” shared Melody Bruce. “She has been wonderful to teach and I know she has a very bright future.”
As if she does not have enough to do, she also loves to dance. She takes lessons and dances with Dance Sensations in Rockingham.
The Richmond swim teams will close out their season on Saturday at the Sandhills Athletic Conference Championships at St. Andrews University in Laurinburg.
