Mattie Smith has led a rather eventful life so far, and it doesn’t look to be ending anytime soon. Smith, the only female playing in Dixie Youth Baseball this year, the only female to play in the last 20 years, belted the first, and only homerun of her young baseball career.

&uot;It felt really good when I hit it,&uot;&160;the 12-year-old said.

&uot;After I hit it, I&160;ran to first base just like I&160;normally do, and I&160;watched as it went over the fence.

&uot;I&160;looked at my dad, and I&160;just smiled.&uot;

Smith said she was excited because she did not know her own strength.

&uot;I&160;didn’t even know I could hit it that far, that’s what surprised me the most,&uot;&160;she said.

&uot;I had hit some balls way out there in practices, but never this far, and it just made me really happy.&uot;

Along with being the first female to play in the Dixie Youth in more than 20 years, Smith is also the first female ever to hit a home run at that level, which is something she found surprising.

Smith, who is a pitcher and first baseman for 11-12 team Blain Company, said the reason behind why she plays and plays so well is because it’s fun, and her two brothers, Key and Turner, have influenced her heavily.

&uot;Turner helps me out a lot when it comes to baseball,&uot;&160;she said.

&uot;If he sees me doing something wrong or not right, then he’ll go outside with me, and we’ll work on it together.

&uot;He and I&160;usually get a head start on the season by just going outside in the yard and throwing the ball, and maybe hitting a little bit, just to get ready for the season.&uot;

Smith also plays soccer and basketball and believes her chances to play on into high school are good in all three sports.

&uot;I&160;hope to continue playing ball throughout high school,&uot; she said.

&uot;I’m planning on trying out for the junior high baseball team next year&uot;.

Smith will be a seventh grader at Cathedral School in the fall.

&uot;I’m just glad that I’ve had the opportunity to play sports,&uot;&160;she said.