Heritage's Sydney Smith commits to Belmont

photo Silverdale's Emily Harkleroad (11) and Sydney Smith (14) celebrate their team's 20-point home victory over Boyd-Buchanan in this Feb., 2014, file photo

RINGGOLD, Ga. - Sydney Smith admits competition has brought the best in her. The Heritage High School sophomore outfielder became the 15th member of the program to secure a college softball commitment when she pledged her future services to Division I Belmont College this past week.

Smith, who became a starter for the Class AAAA power midway through her freshman season, committed to the Ohio Valley Conference school on a visit this past week and said the success of her teammates and the ones who came before her has been been a motivation.

"Being a part of this program has pushed me and made me want to go big, so I've had to push myself very hard to get where I want to be," said Smith, who was also recruited by East Carolina and Lee University. "I knew once I got there it was the place I wanted to go. I just felt it's a program that's close to Coach [Steve] Chattin's work ethic and is a good fit for me. They're pretty good and they're Division I, which is really an important factor for me."

Chattin said Smith, who also plays basketball for the Generals, was attractive to Belmont in part because of her versatility.

"Sydney is a lifetime .300 hitter and has been involved in the Heritage Select program since she was 10 years old," Chattin said. "She possesses a rare combination of speed and power, and she has the frame to continue to grow as a power hitter and is one of our most aggressive baserunners.

"At the high school level she has locked down a starting outfield spot but has played shortstop and third in the summer. Belmont is recruiting her as a potential infielder and outfielder."

Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296.

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