A Closer Look - Season 2 (Jarrel Smalls)
To compete at the collegiate level, one must be successful in the classroom in order to compete in his given sport. University of South Carolina Aiken men’s soccer standout Jarrel Smalls saw what this meant up close and has since persevered through the process.
In 2013, Smalls was looking to transfer from USC Salkehatchie after an outstanding time there. At USC Salkehatchie, Smalls garnered a pair of all-region accolades. One of the best strikers in the area, the 5-9, 185 lb., forward decided to continue his education and playing days at USC Aiken.
“I had already established a relationship with head coach Ike Ofoje while I visited,” Smalls stated. “I had several friends here and it felt like home. When I played for USC Salkehatchie, we scrimmaged at USC Aiken and I knew the guys on the team. I felt like it would be the smoothest transition for me.”
The Mt. Pleasant, S.C., native packed his bags and headed to Aiken prior to the 2013 campaign. During his first year here, Smalls started 17 matches for Ofoje’s squad and found the back of the net three times despite playing away from his normal position.
His first goal as a Pacer came in the shutout of St. Andrews. On Senior Day, Smalls stole the show, tallying a pair of goals, including the game-winner.
Despite Smalls’ success on the pitch, USC Aiken won four times on the season.
“We had a team full of good players that season, but we didn’t always get the results we desired,” Smalls stated. “I always stayed positive and kept a good mindset. It was tough to do at times after we lost a few matches in a row, but you have to persevere because that’s how sports are sometimes.
“It was also a learning process that year because I was transitioned to defense and played center back,” Smalls said. “I played there for most of the year and the last few matches I moved back to forward. When I scored, I realized that I did belong and I could help the team and I was looking forward to the 2014 season.”
Smalls hit a bump in the road academically, which forced him to miss the 2014 season – one in which he would have thrived up top with former standout Noel Mais. In 2014, the Pacers won 14 contests and earned their first-ever NCAA berth.
“Not being able to play in 2014 was tough for me,” Smalls mentioned. “It was an eye opener. I had a good first season here, but they did much better in 2014. I realized that it didn’t matter if I was there or not, the team would go on without me and play well. I was happy for the team because they deserved everything they got last year.
“I wasn’t mad at myself either because I had messed up. I hit the books and got my grades up since I was determined to get back onto the pitch. Now I have a 3.0 GPA.”
Smalls’ hard work in the classroom has paid huge dividends for Ofoje’s team this year. When going through some injuries to other starters for much of the first seven matches, the bulk of the offense went through Smalls at some point.
“Following a world-class player like Noel, I had to come into this season and focus on what I do best,” Smalls said. “I wanted to come in and play my game and not focus on what the team did last year. I put pressure on myself on the field, just like I do in the classroom.”
Through the first eight matches of 2015, Smalls has three goals, including a pair of game-winning scores. He also has a pair of assists, including one that found Nathan Shanko for the game-winning goal. Needless to say, he has been an integral part of the Pacers’ team in 2015.
“Missing the 2014 season changed my mindset overall,” Smalls stated. “I don’t take anything for granted on or off the field. I have to work hard for everything and if I want something, I have to push myself and earn it.”
On the field and in the classroom, Smalls learned a lot last year. He has since thrived in both areas. Smalls’ success in the classroom has been similar to that on the field. Near the midway point of the season and the semester, Smalls is enjoying both areas immensely. Needless to say, he saw the true definition of being a student-athlete and Smalls the student, has thrived just as much as Smalls, the athlete has.
