May 2, 2006                                                          

Smith Signs with SMC Softball

Laurens Athlete Signs Letter of Intent

SPARTANBURG, S.C. –  Nikki Smith of Laurens High School has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete on the Lady Pioneers Softball Team for the 2006-2007 Season.

Head Softball Coach, Rick Pauly, is pleased about the signing of Smith because she is both a talented player and a good student. Nikki is a six-year letter winner for Coach Brooke Yarbourough’s Laurens High School team. Throughout her career she has garnered numerous high school and summer travel ball accolades.

One of the things Pauly likes about Smith is her ability to play multiple positions.

”Nikki can literally play every position on the field,” commenting Pauly, who expects Smith to see a lot of action at the catching and first base positions but may also be called on to pitch or play third base. Coach Pauly sees her as a “real student of the game” and as a very instinctive player which are great traits for a catcher.

Smith is the daughter of Cheryl and Johnny Smith of Graycourt.

SMC plays in the competitive Region X of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) with teams from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Their upcoming competition also includes numerous games with area NCAA Divison I and II teams.