“Looking back, it is hard to pick my most memorable moment because soccer and Winthrop have given me so many. If I had to choose something though, it would probably be the endless post–game celebration after a good win with the boys. You get a special feeling being out there on the pitch, and working hard for a win makes it that much better.”
Michael Smith, senior, is headed to the soccer field for his last season at Winthrop.
Like many others across the country earlier this year, Smith searched for ways to keep busy in quarantine.
“I spent most of my time working and going to do outdoor activities such as hiking. Work helped pass the time by, but being outdoors was always nice because of the change of scenery,” Smith said.
During the 2019 season, Smith started in all 17 games he played. As a six-foot-one defender, he scored his first collegiate goal on Oct. 1, 2019, in a 2-1 loss at Mercer University.
Over his four years at Winthrop, Smith has assisted with numerous shots on the field, including the game-winning goal on Oct. 13, 2018 at Campbell during his sophomore year.
No. 23 on the field, Smith recorded the second greatest amount of playing time for the Eagles in 2019, accumulating 1,495 minutes by the end of the season.
For Smith, soccer is not just about game time, though game day is his favorite, but instead how it has helped him grow in other areas of his life.
“I have benefited the most in communication with others because I have always been working with others in sports to reach a common goal,” Smith said.
Prior to his time at Winthrop, Smith was a four-year varsity letterman at Nation Ford High School. In 2016, he was captain of his team and made All-State.
Smith’s soccer success in high school led him to the 2017 Clash of the Carolinas, where he was named MVP.
As a young child, Smith and his family moved from New York to South Carolina. “Winthrop was a chance to stay nearby home and play soccer at the collegiate level,” Smith said.
Although Smith has not won any awards for his skills on the field at Winthrop yet, he still has one more season. “Hopefully something is in the near future,” he said.
Having an idol to look up to as an athlete can be very inspirational. Even though he plays a different sport than him, Smith named Lebron James as his favorite player for reasons beyond basketball.
“He is one of a kind, in my opinion, not only because of what he does on the court, but also because of the example he sets in communities and for my generation,” Smith said.
The Eagles finished 5-10-3 overall for the 2019 season, winning more away games (3) than homes games (2). The team welcomes 12 freshmen this season for a total of 26 players.
Despite the 2020 soccer season (along with all fall sporting events at Winthrop) being postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eagles did not give up their practice plans.
“As of now we will be practicing and training as if this is an extended preseason in preparation for league play in the spring,” Smith said. “It is definitely an adjustment but we are all just happy to be back out on the field.”
As Smith works towards completing his Business Management degree, he also plans to continue playing soccer after he graduates.
“I would love to play for a club hopefully near the Charlotte area because I see Charlotte as my home,” he said. “Playing professionally has always been a dream and to achieve that would be amazing.”
Photo courtesy of Winthrop Athletics
