BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
For Cara Smith, home is where the heart
is.
The 18 year old rookie defender for the
Laurentian University women's soccer team has played a
pivotal role in the team's resurgence in the ever-tough OUA
scene.
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Smith represents another local cog in the
Lady Vees machine that has found a great deal of success by
keeping their opponents off the score sheet by playing
ultra-tough defence.
Even though she played her whole soccer
career in Sudbury, Smith was plucked by Niagara University in
New York to go play NCAA Division I soccer and compete on the
swim team in 2003.
They dumped a rich scholarship into her lap
and ripped her from the grasp of the local soccer scene.
Soon after arriving for her rookie season at
Niagara, Smith blew out her ankle.
Knowing she was going to be sitting out for
the season, Smith packed her bags and came home to lick her
wounds, which would eventually turn out to be the catalyst for
her triumphant return to the local soccer scene.
Â"Since I was going to be sitting, I came
home to get physiotherapy and relax at home,Â" said
Smith.
Once home, the lure of her hometown dug deep
into her soul.
In the spring, after months of
rehabilitation, Smith found herself on the Laurentian soccer
pitch, practicing with the Lady Vees getting herself into
shape.
It didn't take long for the team's
chemistry to infect Smith.
Â"I really liked how the team played and all
the girls were great,Â" said Smith. Â"There was a lot of pride
here, so I decided to stick round and give it a shot at
Laurentian.Â"
Smith was a welcomed addition to the
squad.
Â"When we first recruited her, we knew right
away that if she came to Laurentian, she would be an impact
player,Â" said Rob Gallo. Â"She has all the tools to become one
of the best defenders in the country. Cara is a pleasure to
coach. She's a sponge and has untapped potential, which
over time, at Laurentian, will develop. She will no doubt be
recognized nationally for her talents. Cara reads the game well
and has excellent field vision.Â"
Defenders have to be tough, and Smith oozes
grit. Her pride in defence keeps the opposition honest.
Â"Any defensive player has to be tough,Â"
said Smith. Â"I wouldn't consider myself a hard player,
it's just something you learn to do. As soon as the game
starts, the fun is over and it's time to get serious. The
girls go hard in the OUA. You have to be ready to hit and get
hit, and have no regrets about it afterwards.Â"
Smith is following a family tradition at
Laurentian, which gives her plenty of motivation.
Â"My older sister, Christie, was the captain
of the Lady Vees swim team,Â" said Smith. Â"Laurentian has
always been a big part of my family. I have been around
Laurentian for a while, and to finally be a part of the squad
is something special to me. My sister did very well here, so I
look to her to encourage myself.Â"
