Laila Smith '26 Recruiting Profile

I am a student athlete who wants to be the best at what I do. Someone who wants to be the best in the classroom and the best on the track. I am very competitive and love what I do. But what sets me apart is my desire and discipline that I have for track & field. I am a very independent and shy girl who tends to doubt herself a lot. A girl that could be ranked #5 in the world and it still wouldn't be good enough. I am a person who has a firm support system of people who say I have all the talent in the world and the most positive attitude to get where I want to go. But behind all of that is just a girl who wants to prove to herself that she can be great. I watch college and professional athletes on tv everyday who inspire me to be great; to do great things when no one is looking, or just to have the slightest bit of confidence to tell myself that I can accomplish my goals. When I get to college, I want to be able to prove myself that I can reach my goals that I am setting for myself now. During my collegiate career, I just hope to continue to get better and better. To keep moving forward and never go back. To go some place that has a support system just like I have now. And opportunities that I never even imagined I could experience.