Before every game Kayla Smith, a Revere High School soccer team captain, is always leading the traditional team chant. Additionally, Smith is seen leading the team during their practices every day. Since the beginning of her high school swim career, Kayla Smith leads and excels in swimming and soccer. Even though Smith loves sports, she finds a way to balance her extracurricular activities, excel in academics, and participate in various school clubs. Smith not only excels as an award winning player on the field, but she also challenges herself in high level classes. Smith is on the board of the art club and is a member of league of leaders, National Honor Society and class council. Additionally, Smith leads in both sports as girls team captain of varsity soccer and swimming.
Smith participates in many different events. Smith found which she enjoyed the most and was the fastest in.
“I like the 100 backstroke, the 50 free, and anything else that is freestyle,” Smith said.
Smith’s leading position on the soccer field is being a forward. Smith commented on why she enjoys soccer.
“I love being with my teammates all the time, every single day, especially in summer. It lets us get outside and do exercise,” Smith said.
Smith explained what she cherished most about the swim team, and how it has affected her.
“I like that it gave me my best friends and it’s fun,” Smith said.
Smith spoke of the hard work she went through to achieve team captain of the swim team, and how she practices every after school to achieve this goal.
“I worked really hard for this since freshman year. I’ve always tried my best to be a leader even through the relays. I’ve always tried my best and put in my best effort. I want tobe the fastest,” Smith said.
Smith’s dedication to both sports is shown by her mindset and attitude towards becoming a greater version of herself. Smith began practicing both swimming and soccer at a very young age. She began soccer at the age of three and swimming at the age of four.
Smith’s hard work has been evidenced by her numerous awards she earned.
“For the past two years I’ve gotten first team Suburban League for swimming; last year for soccer I got first team Suburban [League] and first team all state,” Smith said.
Smith’s soccer coach Dave Howson notices her excellent work and leadership on the field. Howson has known Smith for four years. He has fifteen years of experience of teaching soccer at Revere. Howson was also an assistant at Woodridge for a year, and he served as a graduate assistant at Notre Dame College prior to that.
Howson explained how Smith excelled in the different positions she has played in.
“She was a defender for us, and then last year we were struggling a little bit, so we moved her forward, and then she just kept scoring goals,” Howson said.
Howson also described how Smith helps lead her teammates during practice and meets.
“She brings people into the play, and she’s one of our captains, so she’s a leader both on the field and off the field. I think the girls look up to her and respect her, which is good, but she’s a great person and great player,” Howson said.
Howson explained how Smith’s skills in soccer have helped the team bring home many wins.
“As of this season, she scored, I believe, ten goals in six games. I just found out today she’s the Suburban League Player of the Week for this week. She’s also the Akron Division One Girls Player of the week,” Howson said.
Howson explained how Smith helps the team stick together and look out for each other.
“She really helps our team out and the work that she does, both off the field as well as on it, is probably the most together the girls teams have been,” Howson said.
Howson described that Smith helps build her relationships with other teammates which helps pull the team together.
“She’s really worked hard along with the other captains and other seniors, to really get the girls to be together,” Howson said.
Annie Lochridge, a Revere swim coach, has known Kayla for two years. From uplifting her teammates with funny jokes or motivating the team during meets, Smith’s school spirit and drive are admired by many, including Lochridge.
“Kayla is kind towards all those on her team; she works hard, asks questions when she is confused, and leads by example” Lochridge said.
Lochridge explained Smith’s care and compassion for the future of the team by the way she treats the younger swimmers who sometimes struggle to adjust to the fast-moving team environment.
“She is very enthusiastic, if there are other questions or things the team doesn’t understand or are not on board with right away she will be that person to ask those questions and get those answers. She’s a very good communicator so initiatives that coaches have she will pass on to the team” Lochridge said.
Not only has Smith’s compassion and kindness impacted others, but her athletic ability has led the team to multiple victories.
“Kayla is a stellar athlete all around not only in soccer but also in the water, and I think that she pulls people up with her. This is true with relays and teammate to teammate competitions in the water” Lochridge said.
Smith will finish her senior year at Revere High School engaged in her love for extracurricular activities thanks to her contributions in athletics, her eagerness to help lead others through clubs, and her enthusiasm for sports.
To read more about women’s soccer at Revere click HERE
