Leadership and spirit earn Smith recognition

Sisters softball standout Amanda Smith won acknowledgement from Outlaws coaches as Sisters High School's Athlete of the Month for April.

Smith is an ace pitcher who helps her cause with a powerful bat for the Outlaws. But according to Kerry Mooers, one of Amanda's coaches, it is leadership and a spirit of sportsmanship that elevates Smith beyond merely being an excellent player.

"It's one thing to bring yourself as an athlete to another level with hard work and dedication," Mooers said. "It's on a complete separate plane to raise your teammates and the next generation of players' level of play."

He cited Smith's participation in clinics for Little League and junior-level players and "uplifting teammates with enthusiasm and pure love of the sport. Softball in Sisters, Oregon, (once thought dead) is now alive and well, thanks in part to this athlete!" Mooers said.