Embracing The Grind

Jay Smith is in his third year playing for the West Ashley Wildcats. The junior defensive lineman was excited when he heard about his nomination as the Athlete of the Week. “I was not expecting it all,” says the humble football player.
“Jay Smith has been our leader on the defense so far this season,” says WAHS head football coach Bobby Marion. “He is one of our leading tacklers and he always draws a double team from the offense.” Getting high praise for his play isn’t anything new this year, last season he earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award on the defensive line.
Smith openly admits his Achilles heel is his speed. But he battles to overcome his lack of natural speed with determination and by fully applying himself during sprints at practice. “Embrace the grind,” says Smith. Coach Marion notices Smith’s efforts and applauds them. “Jay always plays hard and puts forth great effort,” says Marion. “[He] plays with a passion for the game.”
Off the field, Smith is also very active. In addition to playing football, he is a member of the WAHS Track team where he competes in discus, shot put, and the 100-meter hurdles. Smith is on the wresting team. And while he enjoys the other sports, he says football is his favorite. “I just love the game,” he says.
Not only is Smith a fantastic athlete, he’s a diligent student who tends to brighten the mood of any classroom with his outgoing personality. But you won’t catch Smith boasting about his success in the classroom or on the field. He claims that the best advice he was ever given was to “always stay humble, no matter what” and he always abides by this. The coaches and teachers at WAHS are proud to have such a humble, stand-up citizen as a part of their student body.
When Smith is not busy with football, he’s either doing his schoolwork or doing one of his favorite pastimes: watching TV, swimming, or eating. He also participates in the Awaken Youth Group to balance out his schedule.
After Smith graduates from high school, he hopes to attend college at Coastal Carolina. He says he would really like to major in marine biology and play football there as well.