Hugo High School junior Rakia Smith is a woman on a mission as the track season unfolds for the Buffaloes. She runs in the 100-meter sprint, the 4X100 and 4X200 relays and the 200 meter sprint which is her strongest event and for which she qualified for state last year.
“She’s a good leader and organizer for the team,” said her coach Kiyoko Woods. “She’ll help lead the team in stretching and getting ready for practice and events and is a vocal leader. Probably her biggest area of improvement this year has been on taking the curves more efficiently in the 200 which she struggled with last year.”
But Rakia’s first love is basketball where she plays guard.
“I’ve played since I was in elementary school watching my older sister, Rayshee, play and I just love the game, but I didn’t get to play this year because of an injury so doing well in track has become my main focus for this year and I obviously want to qualify again for state and maybe place in one or more of the events.”
Rakia also has a different take on being a leader for her team.
“I think I lead by making others happy with a joke or smile” and her coach added “She makes me laugh all the time.”
As the season gets going Woods has high hopes for Rakia in the 200 and all the relay squads.
