Smith ready to lead at Ouachita Baptist.
Smith ready to lead at Ouachita
Ouachita Baptist University’s women’s soccer team advanced to the semifinals of last year’s Great American Conference Tournament, losing 1-0 to Harding. The Tigers lost six seniors, including top scorer Tessa Woodcock from that team, but were still picked fourth in the preseason poll.
Kasey Smith, a 5-3 senior from El Dorado, is a part of the reason for the optimism in Arkadelphia. She started all 18 games last year and finished with three goals and two assists, while earning honorable mention all-conference. She was also named Crafton Tull Distinguished Scholar Athlete after earning a 3.77 grade point average in accounting.
This year, she’s looking for even better.
“This season I have taken a role as a center midfielder, so instead of just attacking I will also be doing more defending, and distributing the ball to my teammates,” she said. “I am really looking forward to my senior season. My top goal for the season would be winning another GAC championship, as well as just competing as hard as I can every game to get the most out of my senior season.” “Expectations for Kasey are extremely high,” said OBU coach Kevin Wright. “Kasey was a good player when she came in as a freshman
and played a part right away but really turned the corner the spring of her sophomore year. She placed a high importance on her fitness and it has been tremendous for her. Her fitness level right now as a senior is on another level than most players within our conference.
“We have moved Kasey into the midfield the last couple of years due to her high work rate and ability to cover so much ground for us. She distributes wonderfully and doesn’t waste chances that she gets in front of goal.”
Last year, Smith was one of the team leaders with 36 shots, including 15 shots on goal. But, scoring has never been an issue for Smith, who scored a hat trick in a state tournament game as a freshman at El Dorado.
“I would say that over these four years of playing in college my game has changed tactically,” she said. “I have learned how to play different positions and how to see the field differently.”
For OBU, Smith has become a player who could be the cornerstone for the Tigers this season.
“Kasey is no doubt a leader within our group and a great model for our younger girls,” said Wright. “When she was a freshman, I remember having many conversations with her as she was so eager to play a bigger part. She played minutes but always wanted to play the whole 90. Over the last few years she has put her head down and worked so hard on her game and turned herself into that player we have to have for 90 minutes. I couldn’t be more proud of her and what she has accomplished and what we still feel she has ahead of her.”
OBU opened its season Friday with a 10-0 win over Central Baptist College. Smith scored two goals.
“I have enjoyed playing here at OBU. It's a first class program,” she said. “I have enjoyed playing for Coach Wright and with my teammates. I have learned a lot about soccer over these four years. I think this season we will be very strong. We have a good group of girls that love to compete.”