Gracie Smyth had hoped her final volleyball season at Cunningham High School would begin on the court.
Instead, the senior is preparing to make an impact from the sideline while she works toward getting medically cleared to play.
Smyth was involved in a car accident this summer, resulting in her second concussion in six months. She must be cleared by a neurologist before returning to competition, and the earliest that could happen is expected to be in mid-September.
While the circumstances aren’t what Smyth envisioned, she isn’t allowing them to change her approach to the season.
“My goal for this season is to play!” Smyth said.
Until she receives clearance, Smyth plans to remain involved with the team, attending practices and supporting her teammates every step of the way.
“I know this is something outside of my control, so I am going to make sure I am there for my team,” Smyth said. “I am still going to practice and I will be supporting them the whole way, even if it is just from the sidelines for now.”
Smyth’s focus comes at an important time for a Cunningham team that features a blend of youth and experience. The Wildcats have several freshmen joining the program, bringing new energy, while returning players bring varsity experience into the season.
“This year we have a lot of freshmen coming in with a lot of energy, as well as quite a few players returning with varsity experience,” Smyth said.
After watching her teammates develop throughout the summer, Smyth is eager to see how much the Wildcats can continue to improve once the season begins.
“Everyone has gotten better throughout the summer and I am looking forward to watching everyone continue to grow and get better not only individually but as a team,” Smyth said.
Cunningham also has plenty of goals to chase this season, including serving and attacks-per-game benchmarks, as well as a team record goal.
For Smyth, however, success will begin with being there for her teammates, regardless of whether she is able to contribute on the court.
“I love this team, I want to see them succeed,” Smyth said. “Right now, my contributions will be from the sidelines, but I will be their biggest supporter!”
And if Smyth gets the opportunity to return later in the season, she will be ready to rejoin her teammates and compete.
Until then, she will embrace the role she can control — encouraging the Wildcats, celebrating their successes and helping them continue to grow.
“Everyone has gotten better throughout the summer,” Smyth said. “I am looking forward to watching everyone continue to grow and get better not only individually but as a team.”
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