BY HENRY MILLER | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
MISSION — The parents of Sharyland Pioneer senior Audrey Smith knew she was a special talent on the volleyball court. Her mother, Melissa, and father, Roland, had been standout athletes themselves and had other children who were successful in the athletic world.
“We realized it because we saw the talent and the drive,” Melissa Smith said. “Then, during her junior year, she was named to the all-state first team, and we thought, ‘Wait a minute, we have something really special here. That’s when she got serious about putting her name out there. Now, she had some backing. That sealed the deal for her.”
Audrey actually sealed the deal in front of coaches, trainers, friends and family on Wednesday at Sharyland Pioneer, signing to play Division I volleyball at Texas Tech. She will enter the program as a preferred walk-on before receiving a scholarship entering her second year.
“There are a lot of emotions running through me right now, and I’m ready to start my new career,” said Smith, a four-year starter for the Lady Diamondbacks who was on the first volleyball team after the school opened just four years ago. “I know I have to keep working hard, get my body where it needs to be and take on all the obstacles that they’ll throw at me.”
Smith was a four-year starter for Pioneer and head coach Laura Cavazos. She was the district newcomer of the year as a freshman, all-district setter as a sophomore and then District 31-5A MVP, 31-5A All-Academic team, All-Area and Class 5A All-State as a junior.
“She’s just an incredible example of what athletics is about and is great in the classroom and on the court,” Cavazos said. “She has a great work ethic, leads by example and is a leader in all aspects. This is a huge stepping stone for this program; something for the girls to see and sets a precedent for our program. I tell the girls all the time that these things are possible, but sometimes it just takes one of your own so they can see it.”
Jaime Cavazos, owner of Cavazos Sports Institute in McAllen, said he has known Audrey since she was in the fifth grade and has spent extensive time training her and working with her to prepare for Tuesday’s moment.
“Even when I first met her she had the big calves and the prototypical Smith build, like the other siblings,” Jaime Cavazos said. “We always assumed that this day was going to happen. I’ve seen her grow and progress so much. It’s special to watch her play. She stands out — she makes saves she shouldn’t make, gets to the ball and reaches things with her strength that others can’t do. Now it’s about conditioning. She has the strength and the power and the skill. Now it’s just to get in better shape than everyone else on that court.”
Audrey is the 50th student-athlete to sign at the Division I level under Cavazos’ training.
Melissa Smith said that Audrey will take about a two-week break before she begins training again with Cavazos. In December, she’ll start with the RGV Venom club team, which will run through spring. Then it’s off to Texas Tech, where Smith plans to study agribusiness and be a Red Raider on the volleyball court.
“Texas Tech is a little far away, but she is very, very involved with FFA and Ag and so is Texas Tech so it’s going to be the best of both worlds for her,” Melissa said. “I’m very, very proud of her.”