Smallwood used every ounce of her athleticism and size trying to will the Panthers to Winchester. Smallwood put down a number of overpasses and used a variety of cut shots to try to find gaps in the tough North Oldham defense. Smallwood benefits from a setter that consistently hits her at the peak of her swings so blockers have a hard time getting hands on balls. Her legacy to not just Elizabethtown, but Kentucky High School volleyball will not be forgotten by this generation.

Smallwood had previously been in the top spot in this class in previous ranking prior to the last one. However, Smallwood will tell you she loves the game so much that she’s always trying to learn new things that come in handy a lot against the solid competition KIVA 17 Red faces in these tournaments. Her ball control really stands out in addition to her sound hitting and blocking. Smallwood makes smooth passes all over the court and is just as tough as a server. She mixes up every part of her game. Smallwood took over the 17 Open championship game to lead 17 Red to the win over Elevation 17 Chicas. She pounds balls away from sound defenders. In the semifinal game, Smallwood tapped one from the six (middle back) spot to a wide-open middle surprising the defense. Smallwood said the championship game between two exhausted teams came down to whichever team wanted it more and 17 Red did it. Smallwood credited the tips to a loaded team of hard hitters that puts defenders on their heels to open up spots and save some energy.

Hitters dare not try to hit cross shots against this phenom because she will not let them go passed her. Smallwood is trying her hand at a number of places as a six-rotation player. Smallwood has developed a sound jump serve and patrols the back row with authority as a great passer. Smallwood said her love for the game is a big reason she is trying to learn different aspects of the sport.

Smallwood moved down to two, but could snatch back the top spot before the dust settles. Smallwood had the dominant season people expected even after missing some of the early games because of an injury. Smallwood smacks down balls from both the front and back row. She efficiently reads setters and makes the necessary adjustments on balls. Opponents have to hit to the sides of her because of her size advantage and because of her solid timing on blocks. Smallwood consistently hustles after balls then makes quick transitions to offense. She also paints lines well on serves. Smallwood finished the season with 587 kills, 89 solo blocks, 11 assisted blocks, 209 digs and 91 aces, helping Elizabethtown go 29-11 with a 17th District championship and 5th Region runner-up finish.