By Connor Bradshaw Van Lier Ribbink ’13
THE ROUNDUP
Spencer Smith ’13 walked away from his junior year with a Division I athletic scholarship and two newly earned state championship rings glistening on his right hand, but he is still thirsty for more.
Sports have been a major part of Smith’s life since his youth, and as a three sport athlete freshman year he continued this lifestyle into his career at Brophy.
“I’ve always simply loved sports. They have played a big part in my life over the years. I love competing,” Smith said.
Sophomore year Smith emerged ready to compete and made the varsity teams in both hockey and lacrosse.
In hockey Smith registered 24 points during the season and was trademarked as one of the leaders regardless of his youth.
“Spencer always had a competitive drive about him,” said long time teammate Tanner Touhy ’13. “Whenever he stepped on the ice it was all business to him.”
In lacrosse Smith made the highly competitive varsity team based of his speed and knack for beating his defenders.
However on both teams they fell short of a state title.
Spencer was positive throughout the entire game, which was a really hard thing to do considering the fact that we were all devastated,” said teammate Charlie LaBaar ’14.
Although those two loses hurt Smith he didn’t let them defeat him. He entered his junior year with a determination to get not just one, but two state rings.
“Ultimately these losses really drove me to fight that much harder for a state championship, and I did,” Smith said.
In hockey Smith scored 18 goals and dished out 15 assists that helped the broncos win the state championship.
“Having Spencer not only as a teammate but as a line mate was a big part of our success last year as well is a privilege. He picks you up when things aren’t going the way you want them to, and he is always thinking positive,” LaBaar said.
In lacrosse Smith had 35 goals and 27 assists that would also help Brophy accomplish a state championship.
“Those two state championships completed that void in my life. It felt good because I gave those two seasons everything I had and it paid off. It was an unreal journey and I loved the guys I worked with and loved the feeling of victory,” Smith said.
Smith is entering his senior year with a chip on his shoulder, and a college scholarship to play Division 1 lacrosse at Mount Saint Mary’s, a top 25 ranked team.
“As I approach my career in collegiate athletics I hope to be remembered as someone who gave his best day in and day out and led his team to greatness,” Smith said.