Clayton News Daily

By Doug Gorman

When Alicia Smith was just a freshman, Jonesboro head coach Jeanine Conkle saw something special in the young and talented athlete.

So during Smith's first high school softball season, Conkle promoted her from the junior varsity to the varsity late in the season.

Smith has been an important part of the Lady Cardinals' lineup ever since.

It didn't take long for Smith to make an immediate impact that first year as she scored the winning run against Stockbridge after being inserted into the lineup as a pinch runner.

"That still is my favorite game I played in high school," said Smith.

Smith played in the outfield at the start of her high school career, but spent most of her time short stop.

"She was really a good athlete," said Conkle. She was a solid hitter for us."

The Lady Cardinals made it to the state tournament this past season with the help of Smith and her teammates.

Smith will now move on to the next level after signing a scholarship offer to Morgan State in Baltimore.

To begin her high school career, Smith will move back to the outfield.

"I'm excited, but a little bit nervous. It's kind of far from home, but I'm looking forward to it."

Smith said the thing she enjoyed most about playing at Jonesboro was the friendships she made as a member of the Lady Cardinals.

At Morgan State, Smith plans on majoring in chemistry with hopes of someday going into pharmacy.

Smith was also a member of the Jonesboro Lady Cardinals basketball team.