ROCKINGHAM — A strong defensive effort by a Richmond Senior High School volleyball player has helped her dig up this week’s recognition by The Richmond Observer.
Junior libero Kenley Smith has been named the Official Richmond County Female Student-Athlete of the Week presented by Mabry’s Drug & Home Care.
In a pair of Mid-South Conference matches last week, Smith put up big defensive numbers against Jack Britt and Hoke County high schools. Recording a season-high number of digs against Hoke County, she and the team also upset the conference leaders.
A three-year varsity starter for the Lady Raiders, and a defensive and serving specialist, Smith earned her second career recognition. She was named during Week 1 of her sophomore season.
Athletic Profile - Kenley Smith
Year: Junior
Fall sport: Volleyball
Position: Libero
Varsity Experience: 3 seasons
“CLASSROOM CREDITS” WITH KENLEY SMITH
Almost a quarter of the way through her junior year at Richmond, Smith is one of many student-athletes taking advantage of the school’s dual enrollment program at Richmond Community College.
This semester, she’s taking three courses at RichmondCC — American Sign Language 111, English 111 and Mathematics 171. During her afternoon classes at Richmond Senior, Smith is enrolled in Chemistry Honors and Annual Production Honors.
At the start of the first nine-week period, Smith had a 4.406 weighted grade point average and was ranked 12th in Richmond’s graduating class of 2027. Smith said academically, a goal of hers this year is to qualify as a junior marshal.
Following graduation next year, Smith hopes to attend a four-year university and continue playing volleyball. Her plans include majoring in criminal psychology.
“ALONG THE BACK ROW” WITH KENLEY SMITH
Richmond split its two matches last week, falling on the road at Jack Britt before upsetting Hoke County on its home court.
Tuesday’s loss was a five-set defeat, which was answered with a five-set win Thursday, giving Hoke County its first MSC loss of the season.
Against Jack Britt, Smith worked the back row and made 16 digs with no errors. She also had four aces, three kills and made 29 plays on serve-receive, returning 90% of them.
Two nights later, the Lady Raiders rallied twice to defeat Hoke County 3-2. They won the second, fourth and fifth sets by scores of 25-22, 25-18 and 15-12.
Smith’s efforts were crucial in defending an aggressive Lady Bucks attack, which resulted in a single-match season-high 31 digs.
She again didn’t commit any errors from the back line, and chipped in three kills and three assists. In the serve-receive game, Smith returned 92% of the 26 serves she faced.
Through 19 matches this season, Smith leads Richmond in total digs (280), digs per set (3.8) and total service aces (68).
Richmond (12-7, 5-4 MSC) hosts Pinecrest High School (10-12, 6-3 MSC) Thursday for senior night. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m.
“RAPID RESPONSE VIDEO” WITH KENLEY SMITH
The Richmond Observer will publish its Official Richmond County Male Student-Athlete of the Week soon.
Sports editor’s note: The writer of this article is Smith’s Annual Production Honors teacher.
