A former St. Amant Gator softball standout will now be leading her own team with the promotion of Sophie Smith from assistant to head coach at nearby Assumption High School.
Smith takes over for Hodge Thibodaux, who led the Mustangs to the finals in Division II non select this past spring. Smith was certainly a big part of their success and is very excited about becoming the new head coach.
“Assumption has talent and I want to put my handprint on the program and continue to build on the success we had. We lose some key players and some leadership, but I fully expect girls will step into leadership roles and bring their talent with them. We have some big shoes to fill with seven graduating and I am eager to see how amazing this team can do. I am confident they will put the work in for this program to continue its success”, said Smith.
Smith was an all-district and all metro performer for coach Amy Pitre at St. Amant from 2017-2021. The Gators won three district championships and a state championship in 2019 while Smith was there.
Pitre was very complimentary of Smith as a player. “Sophie did everything I asked her to do to the best of her ability. She played second base on the 2019 state championship team and then moved to catcher the next two years. She always knew her role and accepted it, consistently doing her best as a player and a teammate," Pitre said.
After graduating from St. Amant, Smith went on to play at Webber International University where she excelled and realized that she wanted to continue with the game of softball, but as a coach.
“I started coaching travel softball and will be starting my second year at the high school level. I am thankful that Assumption gave me an opportunity to continue coaching the sport I love,” Smith said.
Smith knows the sacrifices and time it took for her to get to this point and wanted to make sure people know that she appreciated it.
“My parents have supported me through my softball journey and now support me as I have transitioned into coaching. They have sacrificed and I would not be in this position without their support. I have so many coaches and mentors that have helped mold me as a player and a coach. The top of the list is Coach Amy Pitre, my high school coach at St. Amant. She is an amazing coach and my mentor on this new journey. My family and friends are so supportive and have helped me along my journey,” Smith said.
This former Gator plans to use what she has learned from her mentors and give young athletes the same opportunity she had, a job she plans to give her all at.
“I am looking forward to building this program from where we are and taking it where it needs to be,” Smith said.
