SUPERIOR – The sole senior on the team, Michele Smith has finished her high school volleyball career and will soon finish her time at Superior High School.

While a second-generation Superior native, Smith moved around a lot while she grew up because of her father’s military career. However, her family eventually returned as she started seventh grade.

When Smith became a freshman, she was approached by the older girls who encouraged her to try out for the volleyball team. She made the team and has played all four years of high school. She said this last one has been the best year of them because of the outstanding team and coach.

“We might not have gotten far in the season, but to have a team like this to end it with was perfect for my senior year,” said Smith.

Smith recalled how the team seemed a little rough at first, but when Head Coach Beth Janney made them realize the team was “a dang good one,” the girls grew and came together as one.

According to Smith, a team like the one she had this year is hard to find. Many teams are not as close as the Lady Bobcats were this season. She described them as a family who were always happy and gave encouragement to each other.

Smith plans to play basketball and may do track in the spring. She is looking forward to this, since most of the girls who play these sports were also on the volleyball team. She will get to play with the same group again and the team dynamic will not be too different.

After graduation, Smith plans on attending college out of state and has four different ones in mind. She explained she wants to go somewhere new and meet new people. Her plans are to either become a kindergarten teacher or go into a digital arts field.

While in college, Smith does hope to continue to play volleyball. She said this year solidified her love of the game and she hopes to continue with the sport. One college has scouted her for volleyball, so she plans to submit it in her admission video and see how things go.

Smith expects to miss the Superior schools and especially the sports program. She said the way everyone is able to be part of the team makes you want to get involved.

Smith said she would miss the Superior community the most. She acknowledged how it was rare to be able to wave at someone and have it returned with a smile, and also mentioned how polite everyone is.

She also said she would miss the support the community gave the students, especially in sports. Smith recalled how the gym and bleachers would be filled for home volleyball and football games with the community’s show of support. People around town also wear sports sweatshirts or travel with the teams to away games.

“The community here is a special one…it’s a close community and it’s not every day someone can say they know everyone in the town they live in,” Smith said.