Tim Monihan and Farmers Insurance recognize senior volleyball player Kari Smith, the team’s outside hitter, as the first Player of the Week for the 2023 fall sports season. 

“Kari is a phenomenal player and she definitely stood out during the tournament we played in this weekend,” head coach Shayne Thompson said. “She is a great passer, a great hitter, and a great player.” 

At the Sequoyah tournament on August 11-12, Starr’s Mill won two matches and lost three against 6A and 7A competition. Smith helped contribute to the team with a total of 42 kills in their five games. 

Starr’s Mill is undefeated in all of their region games, continuously improving each game. 

“As a team we have been working a lot of drills, to improve our weaknesses,” Smith said. “We are really trying to improve blocking and serve receiving.” 

This season, Kari has improved her hit percentage to 22.5 and her kill percentage to 35.6. She is a vital aspect to the team as they admire her for her dedication, talent, and hard work.

Thompson pointed Smith out as a true, influential leader on the team. Kari was nominated as team captain for the fall 2023 season and she has proved to be an important influence on the varsity volleyball team thus far. 

“She is one of our team captains and also a great leader,” Thompson said. “She pumps the other players up, she helps encourage them, she pushes them, she challenges them, and she’s just a really great player.”

Smith is committed to D1 college Iona in New York, where she will continue her volleyball career. 

Starr’s Mill travels to Carrollton High School on August 23 to play Carrollton and Heritage.