Allan Hancock College soccer player Mary Kate Smith is battling a pesky cold, but it won’t keep her away from the field for long. The sophomore mans the holding-mid position for the ’Dogs.
A St. Joseph High School alumna, Smith is no stranger to success in soccer. In high school, she was awarded All-League MVP, the Coach’s Award, and Most Inspirational Award. Last year, due to her standout efforts at Hancock, Smith was awarded second team All Conference. With this season well under way, the determined player has some serious goals.
“I definitely want to make playoffs and transfer to play at a four-year university,” she said. “Even if I’m not recruited, I’m willing to walk on.”
Bulldog’s coach Rod Garcia has full faith in his player’s ability on the field, citing her potential as a Division II or Division III player. Thinking back on it, the first thing that stood out to Garcia about Smith was her “soccer smarts.”
“She has incredible vision on the field; she sees things ahead of time,” Garcia said. “Vision is usually one of the hardest things for players.”
Garcia said despite Smith’s smaller stature, she is fierce in action and not afraid to make contact.
“Smith is extremely intelligent and tenacious,” he said. “I expect her to continue to dominate the defensive midfield and distribute the ball.”
There are 12 games left this season. With a team full of new faces, Garcia said, the Bulldogs’ toughest competition will come from Ventura.
“We need to play as a team and improve together to change our game,” Smith said.
A soccer player since age 5, Smith said she loves being in soccer shape and working as a team to accomplish goals together.
“I love the thrill of winning and the competitive aspect,” she said. “When I put on my jersey, I get excited to do good for myself and the team.”
The challenge of soccer comes from pushing past physical limits and keeping focus, the sophomore said. Pursuing a major in nutrition science, Smith said soccer has taught her a lot about herself and life in general.
“You always have to play your hardest no matter what,” she said. “It applies to school and life. It taught me to push and motivate myself.”
This article appears in Oct 17-24, 2013.
