She may have come from humble beginnings, but LSU freshman defensive specialist Haley Smith has had a journey fit for Hollywood.
“Haley has been an amazing story,” said LSU coach Fran Flory. “I call her our Rudy.”
Despite limited playing time this season, Smith has flourished recently, racking up 59 digs over 18 sets.
But Smith’s journey to success had a less than spectacular start.
The Meraux, La., native came to LSU hoping to make the team as a walk-on, but Flory did not have a spot for her.
Though disappointed, Smith was not discouraged.
“It was disappointing at first, but I eventually came to my senses,” Smith said. “I knew that I would get the opportunity, and I just had to make the best of it.”
Smith put her hopes on the line last spring when she decided to make another attempt to join the team as a walk-on.
She was almost cut again, but Flory decided to add her to the team conditionally, giving her two weeks to prove herself.
And prove herself she did. By the time preseason practice rolled around, Smith had earned a significant role as a Tiger.
“It really does show how determined she is to be a great player,” said senior defensive specialist Meghan Mannari. “Now we all look up to her because she works so hard all the time and does everything she can to make this team better.”
Smith considered her addition to the team to be a dream come true.
“This is one of the biggest accomplishments I’ve ever achieved in my life,” Smith said. “I’m just thankful that I’ve had the opportunity and the people I have to support me.”
But Smith’s story doesn’t end there.
A strong work ethic and a knack for taking full advantage of opportunities has Smith seemingly overachieving this season.
After a high ankle sprain forced Mannari to sit out for three weekends, Smith was given a significant increase in playing time.
Smith proved to be a capable replacement. Her performances in matches against Kentucky and Missouri earned her the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week award.
“Her success is a tribute to her athleticism and more a tribute to her tenacity and her drive as an athlete,” Flory said.
With Mannari expected to return soon, Smith is likely to see a decrease in playing time. But that doesn’t conern her too much, as she said she wants her role to be that which gives the Tigers the best opportunity to win.
Smith and the Tigers will look to bounce back from Sunday’s loss to Arkansas tonight at 6 p.m., when they take on Georgia in a match scheduled to broadcast on ESPNU.
LSU goes into the match searching for consistency. It has won back-to-back games only once this season and has gone .500 in its last five games.
Georgia comes into Baton Rouge with an 8-6 overall record. The Bulldogs have struggled in road games this season, going 1-4 in games away from Athens, Ga.
Who: LSU (6-9) vs.Georgia (8-6)
When: Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Where: PMAC
Watch at home: ESPNU
