Destini Smith left a legacy behind when she graduated from Souderton Area High School, writes Taimar Stubbs for The Philly Burbs.
Smith is a five-time champion in long jump, triple jump, and high jump, and is one of the most decorated athletes in Pennsylvania high school track history – and she’s just getting started.
Smith capped off her senior year with a national title in the triple jump at Nike Nationals and was named Gatorade Girls Track & Field Player of the Year. Along the way, she shattered school records that stood for more than 40 years, all while maintaining a 3.97 GPA.
Her rise wasn’t overnight. After moving to Pennsylvania in the tenth grade, Smith transitioned from sprinting to jumping in Souderton. There, she found her stride in the field both literally and mentally.
“I know what I can do,” Smith said. “And I just know that nobody’s stopping me.”
Souderton coach Anthony Pace credits Smith with putting their program on the map. “We’re traveling to Oregon, we’re traveling to Virginia, we’re traveling to Boston. All these extra things that probably would not happen without an athlete like her,” he said.
She heads to Kansas State University in the fall, choosing the Wildcats for their coaching connection and vision.
Read more about Destini Smith’s legacy at Souderton in The Philly Burbs.
