Parkland Girls Volleyball phenom, Maggie Smith, has achieved many awards and accolades, but most recently she was named Max Preps Pennsylvania Girls Volleyball Player of the Year. Smith stated, “It feels amazing because I’ve worked so hard in the sport because I love it. Even when it was hard I still gave it my all because I loved the grind, the battle, and the challenges it gave me. Volleyball became my outlet for many parts of my life and finally seeing my hard work paying off over the years, it finally feels like volleyball is loving me back.” Volleyball certainly loves her back as she’s also been named first-team All-Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, District 11 MVP, and American Volleyball Coaches Association Region 2 honoree. Smith said the accomplishment she is most proud of is being named 3rd Team All-American. She was the only player from Pennslyvania chosen to be an All-American.
Smith has left her mark on a very successful Parkland Girls Volleyball program. She finished with 3,306 career assists, becoming the second player in Parkland history to surpass 3,000 career assists. Her 1,115 assists this year was the highest in Pennsylvania. This is the third straight year she holds the title of most assists in Pennsylvania. Smith’s domination on the court isn’t over as she is committed to Loyola University Maryland to continue her academic and athletic career. Smith said, “When I visited I fell in love with the program, the coaches, and the teammates. They remind me a lot of Parkland and everything about the program, university, and student body was everything I was looking for.” She hopes to have the same supportive family atmosphere that she has at Parkland in college.
The Parkland Girls Volleyball team has had an incredible impact on Smith’s life. She stated, “Everything about this program I am going to miss. This program has given me so many memories, relationships, sisterhoods, and guidance not only for volleyball but also in life. It’s hard to say goodbye to this program because it has given me so much that I will be forever grateful for.” Sports isn’t just about the wins and losses. An athlete’s team becomes their family and the everlasting memories made with that family is the real win. The team holds a strong bond that not only impacts successful players like Smith but everyone involved with the team.
Reaching your goals doesn’t come easy and Smith emphasizes this. She said, “For anyone who is working towards being successful the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to always remember why you started and why you love it so much. There are going to be times when it’s going to be hard and challenging and you’re going to question why you’re putting yourself through it, but remember the beginning of your journey and how far you’ve come to get to this point. All the adversity you had to overcome, the blood, sweat, and tears because if you love it enough, you will do anything for it and nothing else will matter. Follow what you love and everything else will fall into place.” Max Preps Pennsylvania Girls Volleyball Player of the Year didn’t just come to Smith through talent, it took a relentless work ethic. Maggie Smith is proving that no matter the obstacles in front of you, work tirelessly for the love of the game and you will be recognized with awards and accolades.
