Athlete of the Issue: Shanae Smith

Athlete of the Issue: Shanae Smith

By Alexis Galarza Posted March 19, 2021

Although this year has brought many uncertainties in the sports world, Shanae Smith has kept her head up and continued to strive for greatness.
Smith plays for the varsity basketball, and volleyball team. However, due to COVID, she was not given the chance to play any varsity basketball games her senior year.

Despite not being able to play basketball her senior year, Smith continued to attend all open gyms and put all her effort into them.

The Lady Bucks Basketball team contains special meaning to Smith.

“In one word I would describe Lowry basketball and volleyball as a family because we are all close,” said Smith.

Smith has been playing basketball since she was in kindergarten, and has been playing volleyball since her 7th-grade year in junior high.

One of the biggest influences in her life that strives her to continue playing is her parents.

“My parents are my strongest influence and push me to do better, said Smith. They are always there for me and want me to be the best I can” said Smith.
Smith’s love for her two sports came naturally to her.

Shane Smith. /Ron Espinola • The Brand
Shane Smith. /Ron Espinola • The Brand

“I started playing basketball and volleyball because it was just fun and then it became a hobby of mine that I fell in love with,” explained Smith.

With COVID impacting the sports world so drastically, Smith had lots of time to prepare during her off-season.

“During my off-season, I like to practice both sports to prepare for when the sports season starts,” said Smith.

Although COVID did bring lots of time to prepare, it also ended up completely altering what should have been her senior year season. Due to COVID regulations, the Lady Bucks basketball season was canceled for the safety of the players.

“COVID definitely impacted both sports in a negative way because they canceled basketball, and our volleyball season is only six weeks,” explained Smith.

Besides having her senior basketball season canceled, Smith is still grateful for the time she gets to play volleyball.

Life outside of sports is pretty normal for Smith. She works at a local Mexican restaurant called Dos Amigos and enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends.

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