Thomas Smith is a senior at University Academy who has worked hard inside and outside the building.
Smith said he enjoys being able to get involved as much as he can at UA. He said he has made many amazing memories at UA, but his most remarkable moment was becoming the volleyball manager, being acknowledged at the UA volleyball Senior Night and coaching the games on senior night.
When he’s not on the volleyball court, he spends most of his time on the baseball diamond. Smith is a pitcher on the UA baseball team and is the first all-state baseball player in UA history. He finished the 2025 season with 91 strikeouts and a 15-strikeout game that went on to be a new school record. He also finished the season with a 1.068 ERA and a .439 batting average.
Over the years, Smith has displayed his capabilities on the UA baseball team, and with that he’s created some unforgettable memories. Smith was given the unique opportunity to attend a pitching camp hosted by Major League Baseball a couple years ago. He was selected by the organization and traveled all the way to Tempe, Arizona, in January of 2024. Smith trained at Tempe Diablo Stadium and even got to squeeze in a visit to Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene’s house. In the end, Smith left the program with nothing but good things to say.
“My experience was life-changing,” he said.
In 10 years, he sees himself playing in the Major Leagues and making his family proud.
Smith has a true passion for baseball, and in the offseason he has many routines to keep him healthy for the season. One thing he does is rest to help his body fully recover. He will often stretch and relax to let his body naturally reset. He also lifts weights and eats healthy to ensure he performs well in the season.
As he works toward baseball success, he also gives effort in the classroom. UA seniors have been taking the ACT, applying for colleges and making their last memories. College decisions have been made by many.
While he considered schools including University of Central Missouri, Johnson County Community College and Oklahoma State University, Smith ultimately committed to play baseball at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa.
Outside of school and sports, Smith likes to explore the city, listen to music, hang out with some of his friends, work on cars with his dad and create graffiti art.
Later on in life, he plans to give back to the community by donating to non-profit organizations that support the youth.
Smith has many friends at UA, but he couldn’t live without senior Mark Shears. Shears has been friends with him for more than five years and the two share many great memories.
Shears said his favorite memory was when Smith surprised him with a Chiefs football that was signed by a bunch of Chiefs players. Shears values their friendship and notices things about Smith that other people don’t.
“Thomas has impacted others by his ability to show kindness and care to people even when they don’t deserve it,” he said.
Shears also said he is “able to put a smile on someone’s face when they are down.”
