University of South Carolina Aiken Athletics

Students choose colleges for a wide range of reasons. Sometimes it’s because of location. Sometimes it’s because of a certain degree. Sometimes it’s because they’ve always wanted to go there.

Other times, having friends at the school helps make a decision easier. That could be part of the reason why rookie Jessica Smith chose USC Aiken – her familiarity with someone who would be a future teammate.

Smith, a native of ??, started and played in 23 of the team’s 26 games in the shortened season. Transitioning from third base, Smith started every contest in which she played at first base.

The change in position did not deter her at all. She thrived on the field and excelled in the batter’s box.

At first base, Smith had 138 chances with 130 putouts and six assists against just two errors for a .986 fielding percentage. Smith was third on the team with a .339 average and a 1.121 OPS. Smith led the Pacers with a .678 slugging percentage (everyone with at least 25 at bats).

View the latest Innovative Solutions “A Closer Look” video with Jessica Smith.




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