The Bell Bulldogs' Lady Basketball team faced some early challenges to start the new year, but thanks to senior Maddie Smith, they've bounced back from three consecutive losses with back-to-back victories. Smith's impressive performances have earned her the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week honor.
Smith leads the Bulldogs in points per game (PPG), field goal percentage (FG%), assists, steals, and three-point percentage. She put up 31 points in a win earlier this season, but her 15 points the other night were huge in pacing Bell in their win over St. John Lutheran.
"Maddie is the player that every coach wants on their team," said Bell head coach Katelyn Johnson. "She's quick, with a court vision that is unmatched. Maddie is a great teammate both on and off the court, and I truly believe her faith and determination are key to her success."
Katie Devoe, the team's athletic trainer, shares similar sentiments.
"Maddie has an incredibly positive attitude and shows up for her teammates every day," Devoe said. "She is always the hardest-working player on the court."
In addition to basketball, Smith also plays volleyball and softball for Bell. With her busy schedule, she's in constant practice from August all the way through May.
"I just love being active—it makes me who I am," Smith said. "Playing all the sports helps me manage my time and pushes me to interact with people. Basketball is probably my favorite because I love the contact and the adrenaline I get for the games."
With the town of Bell being so small, Smith has had the opportunity to play alongside most of her teammates for years. Those relationships she has formed are ones she'll remember forever, but it hasn't really hit her yet that this is her final season as a Bulldog.
"The Bell community is the best," Smith said. "It's been amazing to see their support, and people come out to watch us play. This place means the world to me, and I'm grateful to everyone who supports us."
Looking ahead, Smith hopes to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level. However, she also has a backup plan, aiming for a career in medicine as a nurse.
Each weekly winner of the Athlete of the Week award is eligible for a $2,500 scholarship, with the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year to be named at the end of the 2024-25 academic year.