For Bell senior weightlifter Kennedy Smith, the journey to success has always been fueled by a desire to be the best. However, after winning three straight regional titles in high school, her perspective shifted this year. Smith's focus on enjoying the competition has made her most recent season her most gratifying yet, earning her the UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week award.
Smith, who grew up in Bell and began lifting weights at age 9, developed a passion for training and CrossFit after a health scare. Her hard work has earned her recognition as one of the top athletes in the area.
"Working out and getting stronger was my life," Smith said. "I was passionate about getting better and stronger, and my focus was to be the best. But along the way, I realized there was more to it, and I wasn't enjoying it the way I really should."
As a state runner-up last year, Smith entered her senior season with the goal of winning a fourth straight regional title. But this year, her goal expanded beyond just winning.
"I wanted to finish out my senior year loving the sport and focus on making relationships," Smith said. "It was great being able to enjoy it more than I ever have, encouraging teammates, teaching what I've learned, and being an example for other weightlifters in the area."
Smith achieved her goal, winning a fourth consecutive regional championship. She now has the rest of her senior year to balance her many other extracurricular activities. In addition to weightlifting, Smith has been a member of the marching band, track team, cheer team, and several school clubs.
"I love being active and being involved at this high school and the Bell community," Smith said. "There are so many great coaches and teammates that I've been around, and I take pride in all the things I've been able to do and really try to encourage others to do the same."
After graduation, Smith plans to attend the University of Florida to major in exercise science, with aspirations of staying involved in athletics. Whether she pursues a career as a physical therapist, trainer, or something else, Smith's evolving perspective on her sport has shaped her into the person she is today.
Each weekly winner of the Athlete of the Week award is eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year scholarship, a $2,500 prize, which will be awarded at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year.