By COLLIN BREAUX
Ponce de Leon High School student and Lady Pirate basketball player Jodi Smith is crossing state lines to continue her commitment to the court.
Smith obtained a scholarship to Enterprise State Community College in Alabama and celebrated with a signing ceremony in the PDL High library on March 14 while surrounded by her coaches, friends, and family.
“I was hoping for a scholarship, ready for it, and ready to take on the next level,” Smith said. “It’s a basketball scholarship. I’m going to start in the fall.”
Smith has been on varsity for six years and is a state champion, having been part of the school’s four times going to state.
She is drawn to basketball through the determination and hard work put in every day.
“The motivation is what drives me,” Smith said. “My teammates, coaches, and great supporters (drives me).”
PDL Coach Brad Alford said it has been an honor guiding Smith.
“We thank you guys for trusting us with her and couldn’t ask for a better kid,” Alford said. “(Enterprise is) getting a good one.”
Enterprise Coach George Scott said he coached Enterprise High School a few years ago when they took on the Lady Pirates.
“You always scout and see who you’re going to play and how you’re going to play the opponent,” Scott said. “I was looking at the film and I was very impressed and I told my assistant coach, ‘I don’t know how we’re going to play against this team. I don’t know how we’re going to have a chance to defeat this team because they did everything the right way.’”
The Lady Pirates have ran their offense to precision, got back on defense, and boxed out every shot, Scott said.
“That is a testament to the coaches’ work and what he does but also the players,” Scott continued. “I knew when I was talking to Jodi and watched her film, watched her play a couple of games–she plays hard, hits people, gets on the floor–she does things the right way. That’s exactly what I expect.”
Enterprise is excited about having Smith and the team will be great next year, Scott said.
“The fact that she’s a champion makes a big difference,” Scott said. “Every coach wants to have champions on their teams. If you have a championship, that means you’ve done something. That’s not given to you. You had to work to get there.”
Smith’s mom, Krisin Smith, thanked the Lord for allowing the opportunity to happen, as well as the coaches.
“We had an amazing and fun ride with going to state four times. It’s an amazing accomplishment for the team and Jodi and it’s going to be an honor to see what Jodi has in store for her life after from here on,” Kristin Smith said. “I want to say thank you tot the faculty, the parents for the support, and the fans. You’re amazing.”
Hannah Collins 
GARETT VALCOURT 
Jim Saunders 