Coming out of high school as one of the most coveted women’s soccer players in the country can cause pressure when transitioning to the next level. However, one Crimson Tide freshman has not missed a beat since arriving on campus.

Laura Lee Smith, a freshman forward from Jackson, Miss., is currently leading the Crimson Tide Women’s Soccer team in goals scored and has become a key contributor early in her collegiate career.

Before making a name for herself at the University, Smith was already setting multiple records back at Jackson Prepatory School in Jackson. Smith scored a total of 33 goals and recorded 25 assists in her senior campaign and was named Mississippi Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year for the second consecutive year in 2010. Smith, however, credits her numerous high school accolades to teamwork and hard dedication.

“Yeah it’s nice to be recognized like that,” Smith said. “But it’s really a team effort, every time I step on to the field.”

Smith’s coaches, both past and present, echo that.

“It’s not all about Laura Lee,” Smith’s high school coach Jon Marcus Duncan said. “That’s how she looks at it. She never puts herself before the team.”

Being such a successful athlete in high school in both soccer and track, Smith was highly recruited by numerous schools across the country. But Smith said being close to home was one of the overall factors that contributed to her decision when it came to picking a school. She had narrowed her two schools to Alabama and Vanderbilt. After attending a recruiting visit to the University of Alabama, Smith was sold.

“I fell in love with Alabama,” Smith said. “It was just an awesome visit and everyone was so welcoming and the athletic facilities were outstanding. It really doesn’t get much better.”

Smith has already connected with her new Crimson Tide teammates for big plays whether it has been providing crisp passes or breaking away from defenders to put it in the back of the net herself. In the recent upset against No. 22 San Diego State, Smith provided a key assist to Kendall Khanna who scored the Tide’s only goal to upend the favored Aztecs.

Smith’s passing is just one of many of her skills on the pitch. Smith’s former coach said her versatility makes her one of the most skillful players he has ever coached in his 12 years at Jackson Prep.

“I could pretty much play Laura Lee anywhere on the pitch,” Duncan said. “Whether it be midfield, forward, wing. She excelled pretty much anywhere I put her.”

Smith’s hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. After scoring two goals against Kennesaw State in August, Smith was named SEC Freshman of the Week, a first for Crimson Tide Women’s Soccer.

Smith has also kept active in and out of the classroom. Smith is studying pre-med and is active in her sorority, Chi Omega. She said she would like to maintain a 4.0 throughout her time at Alabama and hopefully become an Academic All-American.

As far as his former player goes, Duncan said the sky is the limit for Laura Lee Smith at Alabama.

“She’s got that never say die mentality,” Duncan said. “She’s going to go far.”