NATCHEZ — Natchez High School’s Terries Smith wants people to remember her as compassionate.

As one of five seniors on this year’s Lady Bulldogs roster, Smith rarely passes up an opportunity to offer her teammates a few words of encouragement.

“I try to give them motivation and support,” she said. “I try to let them know that it’s OK to mess up and that you just have to keep going.”

Turns out, Smith hasn’t always had the confidence to reassure others, however, as she did not grow up playing youth basketball.

Smith was born in Natchez, but moved to Georgia in the fourth grade during her mother’s time serving with the United States Army, where Smith said she then picked up the sport.

“Some people are just born with talent, but I really don’t think I have a natural talent for basketball,” Smith said. “I’m not upset though, because I know you have to work hard for what you want to do.”

Smith returned to Natchez in the seventh grade, waiting one year until joining the Lady Bulldogs.

Nowadays, Natchez head coach ShaRhonda Gipson said it’s not typical for Smith to miss a beat, despite her late beginnings. Playing both shooting guard and point guard, she is now a co-captain alongside fellow senior Jakira Smith.

“I can always depend on her,” Gipson said. “She is an all-around player, because even if she is having a bad game she is still on the side telling everyone what’s going on.

“If someone needs to go get something to eat, or if we have to go to practice at another school, she is always the last one to make sure everyone gets out the door and does what they need to do.”

Smith agreed her leadership skills have become easier to manage over time.

“It’s like you forget everything when you’re playing and you’re just focused on one thing,” she said. “You don’t have to worry about anything else when you’re on the court.”

Along the way, Smith has picked up a few pointers from watching her favorite player, LeBron James. Every time she gets ready to play a game, Smith is reminded of his poise as she wears the same jersey number — No. 23.

“I feel like he’s such a versatile player, and he just never gives up,” she said. Nobody can stop him.”

Before the season ends, Smith said she would love to record a triple-double. But if anything, she has a back-up plan.

“I just hope to make my momma proud,” she said.

Smith and the Lady Bulldogs will be back in action at 6 p.m. tonight when they host Franklin County.