Kayla Smith recently led the Merrimack Valley Pride girls’ basketball team to great heights and was named the Concord Monitor’s Player of the Season.

In 23 games, including the Capital Classic Holiday Tournament, Smith had 18 double-doubles, scored 408 points (17.7 points per game) and hauled in 312 rebounds (13.5 per game). She eclipsed the 1,000th point mark and became the sixth girl in school history to do so.

Now, she’s playing her last season of Pride softball, which is off to a scorching hot start. She’s MV’s ace and has put up impressive numbers offensively, and will be moving on to play softball in college.

Q: Where will you continue your athletic career and why?

A: I will be continuing my athletic career at Central Connecticut State University playing softball. I decided to go here because I really enjoyed the campus culture and the welcoming environment of the softball coaches and team.

Q: What do you plan to study in college, and what interests you?

A: I plan on studying Biology with a focus on Animal Sciences. I am interested in pursuing a career working with livestock or large animals.

Q: What’s your favorite food, and what’s your go-to game-day meal?

A: My favorite food is definitely steak. My go-to game-day meal includes chocolate milk, yogurt, salad or burrito bowl, and fruits.

Q: Who are some of your favorite athletes and why?

A: Taylor Pleasants from LSU softball. I enjoyed watching her play due to her confidence on the field and just the way she presented herself. She also was a fantastic shortstop.

Alyssa Ustby from UNC basketball. She, like me, was a low-post player for basketball, and I learned a lot from her, including her grit and determination in every game.

Payton Prichard from the Celtics. He is one of my favorite NBA players because of how hard he works in every aspect of his game, whether that is shooting or playing defense.

Paige Beuckers from UCONN basketball. She inspired me to keep pushing toward my goals no matter how hard or far. She was hurt for several seasons but always held her head up high and worked hard for what she earned.

Aubree Munro from the University of Florida softball. She was a catcher for her college and the USA Olympic Team. She is still very much involved with youth players and has taught me a lot about catching over the years.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school and why?

A: My favorite subject in school is science, with my favorite class being Biology. I enjoyed this class because it was a lot of hands-on learning.

Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of school and sports? What do you do to unwind?

A: Some of the things I enjoy doing outside of school and sports include hanging out with friends and family, walking my dog, and going to the beach in the warm weather.