Claudia Smith had played soccer for three years at eStem in Little Rock.
Entering her senior year, eStem was offering cross country for the first time.
At a glance
SPORTS Cross country, soccer
COLLEGE Arkansas
GPA 4.4
ACT 35
NOTEWORTHY Participated in soccer and cross country. … Started four years for eStem’s soccer team. … All-conference selection in soccer and cross country in 2018-19. … Will attend the University of Arkansas on a Bodenhamer Fellowship to study engineering.
Smith went ahead and partcipated in cross country and was an all-conference selection in 2018.
"My soccer coach was also one of the co-coaches for the team," Smith said. "He said it would help with our soccer skills and our endurance."
Smith started four years for eStem's soccer team and helped lead the Lady Mets to the state tournament in May.
In the classroom, Smith earned a 4.4 GPA and scored a 35 on the ACT. She was valedictorian for the Class of 2019.
Being named valedictorian was special for Smith.
"It was an honor," she said. "It was hard work. It was worth it."
Smith will attend the University of Arkansas on a Bodenhamer Fellowship to study engineering. She said that her experience with math led her to get into engineering.
"I'm really good at it," she said. "I can be more hands-on."
EStem soccer Coach Will Smith complimented Claudia Smith on her career at eStem.
"She excels in the classroom and on the field," Will Smith said. "She has earned the respect of her classmates, teammates, coaches and her opponents for her skills, sportsmanship, effort and leadership."
Sports on 07/28/2019