Russell's Smith inks with James Madison
Nov. 8—RUSSELL — When James Madison upset No. 1 Oklahoma in the Women's College World Series in 2021, the Dukes had Lili Smith's attention.
The Russell senior has been seeing purple since.
Smith signed a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday evening in the Russell High School cafeteria to play softball at James Madison University. She plans to study political science and pursue law school. She was one of six future Dukes to sign this week.
Smith instantly fell in love with the Harrisonburg, Virginia, school when she first visited.
"When you know, you know," she said. "I stepped on the campus and knew."
Primarily a first baseman, Smith has excelled as a Red Devil. She's had a varsity spot since seventh grade. In 2022, Smith hit a team-best .344 with three home runs, 21 RBIs and 27 runs scored. In 2023, she suffered a serious ankle injury that shortened her junior season to nine games. She sustained the injury by stepping on a ball while running.
"It did a lot of damage," Smith said. "I basically had to relearn how to run. It was tough, but it made me better, for sure."
Former Russell coach Nikki Beek spoke about Smith's unparalleled determination and competitive drive.
Dustin Smith, Lili's father, said Division-I softball was her goal since age 11 or 12.
"A lot of kids talk about it, but rarely do you see such an understanding of what it takes at such an early age," Beek said. "Her work ethic is incredible. Her determination was never in question. Today, all of her hard work is paying off."
When James Madison coaches first saw Smith playing for Team North Carolina — based in Charlotte — she powered out a pair of home runs in a tournament.
Hitting coach Jennifer Herzig was Smith's primary recruiter. Smith likes and respects all of the Dukes' coaches, she said. Loren LaPorte has led the program since 2017.
"(LaPorte) is an awesome human being; she loves the game, loves the girls," Smith said. "She teaches a lot of qualities outside of softball."
Herzig introduced Smith to James Madison's philosophy of "hitters play."
"If you hit, they'll find somewhere for you," Smith said.
Smith credited a slew of people for helping pave her path thus far. Among them were her parents, Dustin and Ashleigh Smith, sister Norah Kate, grandparents, coaches Kevin Hinde (North Carolina), Matt Hutchinson, Whitney Compton and Beek, instructors Adam Lalonde and Jonathan Eaton, and trainer Tom Belmaggio.
Smith said she looks forward to playing for first-year Russell softball coach Destiny Goins this spring.
"I think we're going to surprise a lot of people," Smith said.
Smith said it's "bittersweet" to see her high school days coming to an end.
"I've loved my time here — being at this school, academics are important to me," she said. "Playing for this program has been great. But I'm excited for the future, too."
James Madison competes in the Sun Belt Conference. The Dukes were 28-19 last season.
The program has tallied nine NCAA Tournament appearances — including eight in the last 11 seasons — and three Super Regional showings. The Dukes were one win shy of the World Series finals in 2021.
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