As some may think leadership skills are beyond difficult, Marlie Smith leads the Clarkston Varsity Volleyball team with ease and tranquility.
Being a leader on a sports team can develop your overall leadership. Smith, a third year varsity starter and North Carolina commit, states her keys to success in leading her team.
“It helps me get perspective on seeing people and understanding teammates, while not changing who I am as an athlete, but also as a person,” Smith said.
Along with an interview from Smith, her teammates reflect on how Smith helps them on the court. Sophomore Varsity player Kaylynn Johnson reflects on Smith’s leadership skills, “[she] helps me stay calm and feel confident on the court when I am stressed, even when I am not at my best…” She looks up to Smith “because she leads people on the court and is not afraid to tell people what they need to do, while staying positive and supporting them.”
Along with leadership skills, Smith’s ability to respond to failure separates her from the typical athlete. As some result-oriented athletes let failure degrade them a substantial amount, Smith has a unique way of going about it.
“I think it is only failure if you do not respond to it. Obviously, I want to recognize failure, but I do not let it degrade me as a player and I focus on how I can improve while staying positive,” Smith said.
Although her incredible on-the-court leadership and volleyball skill set make her stand out, Smith is just as profound in the classroom. As a junior in two advanced placement classes, along with taking a leadership class which includes homecoming planning, fundraising and donating, and other important functioning needs around the school, Smith puts in just as much dedication when she walks into the classroom doors as the gym doors.
Smith shares her experience with her commitment to North Carolina. As athletes consider several different variables in the process of committing to a college, Smith shared her top attributes that made her want to choose UNC, “They are on the rise as a program. I truly love the coaching staff; they have been extremely welcoming and caring.” Smith feels that all of these things were truly important and made her decision simple.
Smith is starting her third year on varsity and is ready to continue making strides, while also being a positive role model for the generations below her.
