Former Trinity Episcopal tennis player Alli Smith signed scholarship papers Monday to attend Southwest Mississippi Community College.

Smith graduated in 2017 and played No. 1 girls singles for the Saints. Last year, she led the varsity girls team to a second place finish at the MAIS Class AA State Tournament.

“I want to thank all my tennis coaches and everyone who pushed me to make this possible,” Smith said. “Being able to play a sport in general is a blessing. It’s all I’ve ever done.”

Smith currently attends Copiah-Lincoln Community College and is studying pre-veterinary medicine. Smith said she will begin taking classes to continue her studies in Summit this fall.

“The campus was pretty big, but it was really pretty. It was pretty easy to navigate,” smith said. “I liked that everyone knew everyone’s names and that I felt like I wasn’t going to just be another student.”

Trinity tennis coach Noreen Pyron agreed she thinks Smith will fit in well at Southwest.

“Alli loves her tennis and she worked really hard at it,” Pyron said. “I think it’s going to work out for her. I really do. I’m very proud.”

Pyron added Smith’s unique determination will help her in her athletic career going forward.

“She is special,” Pyron said. “She didn’t show a lot of emotions on the court. You never knew if she was winning or not. She would just get zoned in. I know she has already been back to practice so she is committed to this.”