Kassidy Smith
Name: Kassidy Smith
Hometown: Collinsville, Ill.
Year in School: Junior
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Kassidy Smith had a significant experience early on at Coastal. In her first game with the Chanticleer softball team, she found herself starting in the home opener. Not only that, but the Chants were facing off against SEC power Alabama. In front of a packed stadium, Kassidy kept her composure and made her first collegiate softball experience a memorable one.
Throughout her time at CCU, Kassidy has similarly not backed down from other challenges. She is a Swain Scholar, a program that selects high academic achieving students to plan and implement community outreach and research projects. Kassidy also serves as an Honors Research Fellow, allowing her to receive support for research with faculty and staff across the University. Finally, she is involved with a couple different student-athlete leadership initiatives within the CCU athletic department and Sun Belt Conference.
To perform at such a high level in the classroom and on the softball field requires a lot of energy, talent and time management. Luckily, despite the long distance from her hometown of Collinsville, Ill., Kassidy quickly discovered a foundation of support at CCU.
“I am 15 hours away from home,” Kassidy begins. “Being that far away has really helped me find a sense of community and a family here. It has helped me develop more as a person and become more independent.”
Passionate to the core, Kassidy is extremely competitive, especially when it comes to softball. But her love for the sport goes beyond the desire to win. The camaraderie that is shared by all student-athletes on the diamond is what really inspires her.
“The overall atmosphere,” says Kassidy when asked what she likes about the sport. “When you play another team you get to know them which is a really cool feeling. I think a lot of softball athletes feel connected to each other just because we play the sport.”
One day, Kassidy’s preferred atmosphere will transition from softball stadiums to a medical facility. She wants to become a pediatric neurologist and help children with nervous system problems. We know that Kassidy’s experiences at Coastal, both academic and athletic, will help her succeed in medical school and shape her as a future doctor.
Q&A with Kassidy
How did you hear about Coastal?: I heard about Coastal through the athletic programs, specifically the Coastal softball program.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to Coastal because I fell in love with the campus and Conway area. I felt that Coastal was a place where I could mature and become more of an independent individual. I felt that I have certainly done that and am thankful to Coastal for helping me do so.
Favorite professor: I have too many favorite professors to count.
Favorite class: Fundamentals of Neuroscience
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: I love how beautiful our campus is. I also enjoy how I can walk around campus and see a lot of people I know. I feel that Coastal is a very close-knit community that makes students feel more at home.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: There are so many different things to do to keep yourself entertained. You can go shopping, mini-golfing, go-karting, or even go to the beach.
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?:
- Coastal Carolina Softball
- Kenneth E. Swain Scholar
- Co-president of Honors Student Council
- Vice President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee
- Honors Research Fellow
- Sun Belt Conference Student-Athlete Ambassador
Plans after graduation?: I plan on attending medical school to become a pediatric neurologists.
What are your hobbies?: I play softball and enjoy going to the movies.
