Sykora Smith '23 Recruiting Profile

I've loved the game of softball since birth. My parents met playing slow-pitch softball, so although I was allowed to try many sports, it seems softball is in my DNA. I've been playing softball for 11 years, starting tee ball at age 4. My parents are my biggest influencers. They've given me the knowledge to get through any situation. My parents have done their very best to give me all the opportunities in the world to get in front of college coaches. I only hope that I can repay them soon. Through playing many sports in my life, I've learned that you can persevere through anything with a strong mental game. Thinking before you do is a life skill that I picked up from softball. One thing my dad tells me nearly everyday is "keep your head on a swivel," usually talking about basketball, but can be used anywhere. I've learned that nothing will ever go the way you planned, so always be ready to make split second, important decisions. 

I'm looking for a school that will be a good fit both athletically, and academically. Going into junior year of high school (2021-2022),  I've been focusing on choosing courses needed to graduate high school, graduate with honors scholarship benefits, and graduate with NCAA requirements completed. And I've also been paying attention to courses that will benefit me on my journey to college. Like taking Human Anatomy and Physiology because I will be going into the medical field. I have both my junior year, and my senior year mapped out already. I know what courses I have to take to meet all of those requirements. After high school, I'm seeking to become a pediatric ophthalmologist. Which requires a bachelor's degree and an M.D. It is a lot of schooling and training, about 12 years in total. I am devoted to this field of work... Ophthalmology (specifically pediatric) has stood out to me since I was 10 years old, and I fully intend on pursuing this career.