Silverdale Baptist Academy’s Sydney Smith recently signed scholarship papers to continue her soccer career at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, TN. Smith has been a four year starter for the Lady Seahawks and was named to the All-District 5A-AA team her senior season. In the last four years, Smith has been the anchor of the defense for the Lady Seahawks. In 2014, the Lady Seahawks only gave up 13 total goals, and that was largely due to the play of Smith.
“Sydney has really worked hard and come a long way in the last four years. Her footwork has really developed, and she has incredible God-given speed. She has a great work ethic, and I am very proud of her,” said her high school coach Chris Neighbors.
In addition to being named to the All-District team this fall, Smith represented the East squad in the Tennessee All-Star soccer game in November.
Coach Naomi Clarke from Tennessee Wesleyan said, “I’m very excited to have Sydney joining our Lady Bulldog program this upcoming fall.
She is a talented player who has the attitude, athleticism, and technical ability to contribute positively, early in her college soccer career. We are especially glad she has found that Tennessee Wesleyan fits her needs for her education and soccer, and look forward to watching her grow throughout her college years both on and off the field.”
“Tennessee Wesleyan has been looking at me since I was a freshman and has followed me throughout my high school career. My senior year, when I got to tour the campus and meet the team, it felt like home to me, and I really loved the environment,” said Smith. “I made my decision through trusting God and the support from my family, friends, and coaches, and I thank them everyday.”