One of the top returning players for the Lady Cardinals this season is Brie Smith. The senior has set big goals for herself and for the team in her final year of prep basketball.

“My goal for this season it to make to the state tournament and score 1,000 career points,” said Smith.

Smith is versatile enough to play any position on the court. Last season Smith led the team in scoring averaging 15.6 points per game with 6.4 rebounds per game. But basketball is a team sport and Smith knows she must rely on her teammates, just as they rely on her.

“The thing I love most about my teammates is how close we are. We lock in and hold each other accountable while on the court while also being each other’s biggest fans,” said Smith.

Another area Smith excels in is the classroom. Smith is a member of National Honor Society, leadership, and student council.

“The thing I love most about being a student-athlete at Collinsville is being able to represent my school as an athlete and as a good student in the classroom. My favorite subject in school has always been math. My favorite teacher is definitely my leadership teacher, Mrs. Bargas,” said Smith.

Smith said she is excited to play this season and is looking forward to what comes next.

“After I graduate, I plan to continue my athletic career in college while gaining an education to becoming an anesthesiologist,” said Smith.

In her free time, the senior said she enjoys hanging out with friends and family and watching college basketball games.