There are lessons that we learn throughout our lives that help shape who we are and who we become. Sometimes we learn these lessons personally or we learn them through someone close to us. That is just what happened to Maycee Smith.

“My mom had a massive heart attack in 2016,” she said. “That was a moment that impacted my life big time. It taught me to never take life for granted and to cherish every day that I have to play softball and life in general.”

As a junior at Dewey High School, Smith plays shortstop and outfield for the softball team. She has invested a lot of time and effort to grow into the athlete that she is today.

“It takes a lot of hard work and practice to be successful,” she said. “You also have to have a positive mindset. I enjoy softball because I am able to play alongside lifelong friends.”

Dewey head softball coach Niki Keck says that Maycee is an impact player for Dewey softball and she is a great example to the younger athletes.

“Maycee is one of most athletic players to come through our program,” coach Keck said. “She is a true utility player that can pitch, play middle infield, and chase down balls in the outfield. She can hit for power as well as drop a bunt and have the speed to beat it out for a hit.”

The teammates that she plays alongside have been a key to Smith’s success, though she says that there is one that is also impactful on and off the field.

“Addi Jones is an outstanding teammate,” she said. “She is always talking in the dugout and being positive to others.”

Throughout her life and career, Maycee has two people that have been influential for her.

“Mrs. Griffith was my teacher at my first day of a new school,” Smith said. “She continues to be an impact today. Another one is Jayda Coleman, who plays softball for the University of Oklahoma. I look up to her for her athletic ability and positiveness.”