Lexington, Ky. — Ella Smith, a two sport standout athlete at Lawrence County High school, has been named the KHSSA Student Athlete of the Year for 2025-2026.
Ella is the daughter of Duke and Dana Smith and participates in Cheerleading and Softball for the Bulldogs.
Ella has a GPA of 4.0 and she is going to study communication disorders and will attend Marshall University.
As a Cheerleader Smith was an integral part of the team’s success in her four years on the squad.
She has helped the Bulldog softball team to three straight appearances in the state tournament as the starting left fielder. And she will be in action on Thursday in the opening round at John Cropp Stadium.
Honoree Ella Smith
PLAYER’S COMMENT
“ James Jones told me about it and said he needed my resume so that he could nominate me and I was so excited and surprised I got it.”
LCHS Head Coach Sam Sparks
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Ella epitomizes what it is to be a student athlete. She has performed on the field and classroom at a high level and it is nice to see her recognized for her efforts.
“…Just an absolutely fantastic young lady who deserves all the accolades she receives.”
LCHS Cheer Coaches
COACH’S COMMENTS
“ Ellie is an amazing athlete, student, and all around person. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does not matter how big the task is. She has a personality everyone loves and wants to be around. She’s very deserving of this award and we are proud of her for achieving it. God has big things ahead for her in her next chapter of life and we are all excited to see how He writes her story.”
