Kiley Smith: South Lenoir to Mount Olive Legacy
In an inspiring continuation legacy, South Lenoir High School's volleyball program has once again shows its capacity to nurture top-tier talent, as middle hitter Kiley Smith commits to play for the University of Mount Olive. This commitment not only highlights Smith's prowess on the volleyball court but also her deep-rooted family connection to the university.
"I am very excited to commit," expressed Smith, reflecting her enthusiasm for this new chapter in her volleyball career.
When asked about the influences that have helped her reach this point, Smith didn't hesitate to give credit where it's due.
"Everyone that has coached me through the years like Maddie [Harvey], Nicole Waters, my travel ball coaches and my parents."
South Lenoir coach Madison Harvey offered high praise for Smith, emphasizing her qualities that Mount Olive will soon benefit from.
"I think they are getting a very aggressive and dominant player. She is extremely hardworking and dedicated to volleyball," Harvey said. She further added, "I am really excited to see what she does there because if I know her like I think I do, she is going to go there, show out and really be an asset to their program."
Harvey also shed light on Smith's vital role in this year's team dynamics at South Lenoir.
"She was definitely one of the girls we looked to for energy. When she went in there fired up and ready to go, the other girls instantly followed her lead," Harvey explained, highlighting Smith's natural leadership and ability to inspire her teammates.
The significance of Smith's commitment extends beyond the volleyball court, weaving into a cherished family tradition. Kiley's parents, Kimberly and Kyle, both alumni of South Lenoir, shared their pride and excitement.
"We are very excited; she has worked hard for a long time. She has played volleyball since the sixth grade and played travel ball for the past 5 years," said Kimberly.
Kiley's father, Kyle, added a deeper layer to this milestone, revealing a multi-generational connection to Mount Olive.
"She loves it, she works very hard, she is going to be the fourth generation of the family to attend Mount Olive," he shared, noting that he, his mother, and his grandmother all graduated from the university.
Kimberly spoke to the sense of community and continuity that comes with this legacy.
"It is always nice to have a community behind you, we came through here, our parents came through here, and it is kinda the same with Mount Olive, you have a knowledge of the community and the support system is there.d"
Kyle provided insight into Kiley's decision-making process, saying, "We never discussed the fourth-generation thing, Kiley went to a Mount Olive camp and came home one day and said, 'Hey, I think I want to go to Mount Olive.'"
Kiley Smith's commitment to Mount Olive is a celebration of her exceptional skills as a volleyball player, her dedication, and the rich family legacy she carries forward. As she prepares to contribute her talents to Mount Olive's volleyball program, she not only follows in the footsteps of her family but also sets a new bar for excellence, taking her Blue Devil Pride into Trojan nation.
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