Middle schooler Madison Smith shines in first varsity season

Horseshoe Bend’s Madison Smith has been named this year’s Outlook Player of the Year. In her first year on varsity, Smith tossed 81 strikeouts, which was best among all five area teams.

This season almost did not happen for Horseshoe Bend’s Madison Smith.

Last year, the then-seventh grade Smith was tossing innings for the Generals’ JV squad. She had caught the eyes of her coaches, but they weren’t rushing to bring her into the varsity fold at the time.

Henry Zimmer is sports editor for The Outlook and Dadeville Record. He may be contacted via email at henry.zimmer@alexcityoutlook.com.