Nora is one of many solid defenders coming from two-time defending 3A state champ Roncalli that belong at the next level. With active feet, longer-than-she-looks strides and a calm platform, Nora’s ability to stay in system is her calling card. More than capable of being the libero on pretty much any other roster, Miss Smith has improved a ton in the last year-plus. In short, expect that ranking number to rise by the end of club season.

Nora is one of the fastest defensive players I have recently watched, able to run down a short tip or serve with ease and get up balls that you thought no one had a chance of getting. She really takes the short tip out of the game for opposing OHs when she is in right back, freeing up the rest of the defense to get ready for hard driven balls around the block. Smith is also really good at digging the seam ball from the opposing teams RS hitter, especially hit out in front of her – just when I thought a swing was about to hit the floor, Nora would come flying under it. The secret weapon of this young lady is two-fold: her absolutely wicked, deep float serves, plus her top tier block and kill celebrations. If you want to score runs of points and have the best time doing it, Miss Smith is your girl!

Nora has no shortage of great volleyball experience – she plays her high school season at nationally ranked Roncalli H.S. and then spends her club season on the 15-1s team at nationally ranked Circle City. She is a super-fast, highly competitive, never say quit type of player…you know, the one you would give your right arm for as a coach? In serve receive she can cover a lot of court and pass the deep ball very consistently. On defense, she is not afraid of a laser coming right at her, never thinks that a ball is out of reach and is always willing to sacrifice her body into the crowd. Lastly, Smith’s serve is fierce – you can tell she simply loves doing it and looks at it as a way to score and not just enter the ball. This young player has a very bright future ahead of her when you look at her skill level already as a freshman and her determination to be the best at what she does.