Signing Day Spotlight: Paige Smith Becomes A Rebel

Ole Miss signee Paige Smith shares her signing day and why she chose Ole Miss.

Nov 15, 2018 by Chez Sievers

Signing Day Spotlight: Paige Smith Becomes A Rebel

Every team wishes they had a Paige Smith on their roster. She is the definitive clutch-type player that has been the staple third baseman for the Athletics Mercado and Norco High School dynasty.

She won multiple national championships and continues to be one of the toughest hitters to throw to in the country. During the 2018 season, Smith was on fire driving in 41 RBIs with 7 home runs helping Norco to the CIF Championship game.

Paige Smith
Position: Third Base
Club: Athletics Mercado
High School: Norco
Grad Year: 2019
College: Ole Miss
Hot 100 Rank: 13

How old were you when you started playing softball? What do you love about softball?

I started playing softball when I was about four years old. The two things I love about softball the most is the competition aspect of the game, and the impact it has made on my life from a young age. I love competing each and every day against the best of the best and learning and growing from each and every game and practice. Softball has helped me grow as a person both mentally and physically, has taught to be patient, learn from failure, has given me my best friends, and it most importantly has opened my life up to many opportunities in life that would not have been possible without playing the game.

Where did you go on your visits? What did you like about those trips?

The visits I took where The University of Central Florida, University of Arizona, Cal Berkeley, San Diego State, Ohio State, and the University Of Mississippi. The things I enjoyed the most about these trips were that each and every school were so different, and had so many different things to offer. I got to experience all different types of weathers, people, campus life, states, and just all completely different structures of campuses.

When did you verbally commit to the school of your choice? Why that school?

I verbally committed to the University of Mississippi On February 27, 2016, of my freshmen year. I chose this school for a number of reasons. The first reason is the second I walked onto the campus it felt like my home away from home especially since I live all away across the country. Another reason I chose to pick Ole Miss was it was an opportunity for me to play softball in the SEC, and this was a big thing for me because it’s the best of the best players in this conference and it’s giving me a chance to show the talents I have and to get better each and every day and to push myself to be great.

It also was the best fit for me coaches-wise. Coach Mike and Coach Felix (They’re amazing) were a major part In my decision making and I feel that the way they coach is the most effective with me as a player and that they are going to make me a better person and player on and off the field. All in all Ole Miss offers everything I want the small college town, shutting down for sports events, the southern feel, the amazing food, the old structures of the buildings, and everything little else in Oxford.

What are your plans for signing day?

My plans for signing day are to sign in my high schools performing arts center in the morning along with all the other athletes, and after going to a breakfast place called cowgirl in Norco with all my friends and family.

What excites you most when you think about college?

The thing that excites me the most when I think about college is the new beginnings I’m going to have. It’s. A fresh start in a new place and I’m going to face many challenges but I’m ready for them all. I’m excited to be going to college across the country along with my best friend Raegan Cheyne who also plays softball and which who is going to be my roommate. I’m mostly excited to see what my future holds for me in the SEC.