Creek’s Smith commits to Horned Frogs

LEAGUE CITY — After catching the attention of hundreds of college coaches for the past two seasons, Clear Creek junior outside hitter Ashley Smith has committed to one.

The 6-foot-1 junior verbally committed to play collegiate volleyball for Texas Christian University beginning in 2013.

“I’m really, really excited about the decision because when I went on my visit, it was everything I was looking for,” Smith said. “The gym, the school spirit, the coaches and the fact that it’s a Christian school made it all awesome, and I just knew it was for me.”

Last season as a sophomore, Smith was a first team All-County selection after notching 589 kills, 372 digs, 65 aces and 47 blocks en route to Clear Creek’s path to the Region 3-5A semifinals.

“Ashley is a very, very special player, and a lot of what we do on the court goes through her,” Clear Creek coach Scott Simonds said. “She’s got incredible talent, and she’s doing big things for us.”

Just three weeks into the 2011 season, Smith already has powered the Lady Wildcats to a hot 10-5 start. Smith already has 228 kills with a 47.6 percent clip, 115 digs and 12 aces. She has been assisted by strong play from Courtney Richardson (372 assists), Courtney Childers (27 aces) and Natalie Piznar (236 digs), which ranks third in the nation.

“They completely help me play the way I do, and our team is playing on a high level right now,” Smith said.

Clear Creek will play in the Pearland Nike Volleyball Classic Tournament beginning Thursday at 12:30 p.m. against St. Agnes, at 2:30 p.m. against Langham Creek and 4:30 p.m. against New Braunfels. All Thursday games will be played at Berry Miller Junior High.