On National Signing Day for Division I & II sports, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School’s Ben Smith signed his national letter of intent to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level with Union University.
According to a press release from Suzanne Boyd – Sacred Heart of Jesus High School – Smith has been not only an outstanding member of the Knight’s baseball program, he has also been a standout in the classroom at Sacred Heart. Ben has maintained a 4.67 GPA, while taking numerous AP and dual enrollment classes. He earned a 32 on the ACT.
As his coach and teacher, Joe Jarquin, remarked at the event, “Ben has been a leader on the baseball field, in the classroom as well as throughout his high school time at Sacred Heart.”
Jarquin further commented that Smith’s work ethic on the field and in the classroom has been exemplary. “Ben has put in the time outside of regular practice and conditioning to not only improve in numerous areas over his time here, he has also worked diligently to become an even better leader on the team,” he said. “Ben is one to be here early to meet with teachers if he wanted extra attention on subject matter as well would head straight to the Jones Performance Center after practice to put in countless hours catching, batting and conditioning to become stronger and better.”
John Barlowe, Head baseball coach and Athletic Director at Sacred Heart, has coached and trained Smith since the age of 12. “I first ran across Ben when I was coaching a travel team,” he said. “I wasn’t sure then that this day would ever come for him, but he has proven me wrong through his dedication and commitment to make this possible. He has put in the work and has overcome adversity to put himself in the position to play in college and I know great things are ahead for him.”
Barlowe’s remarks also included the impact Smith has had on the team as a leader. “He is one to help get the team focused at practices as well as encourages his teammates,” said Barlowe. “It has been a pleasure to get to know him and watch him develop as a player and as a young man.”
Smith has been a four-year starter at catcher for the Knights. He has also been a member of the Batter’s Box travel team out of Memphis for the past two summers. He has also played on numerous other travel teams since beginning the sport at the age of five.
Ben plans to enjoy his senior season as a Knight this spring then start preparations to play with Union in the Fall. While at Union, Ben plans to major in biology in order to pursue a career in the medical field.
(PHOTO: Ben Smith, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School – courtesy Suzanne Boyd, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School)
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