For four consecutive years, opposing batters shook at the mention of her name.
Now, it might be a combination of hitters and pitchers.
Since joining Lock Haven's softball team, Nicole Smith, has been on a tear, connecting with 19 home runs, 15 of which have come this year.
And the team hasn't done too bad either, winning 56 games in her two seasons after a redshirt in 2010 and advancing to the championship of the NCAA Atlantic Region 2 Tournament.
Lock Haven will take on West Virginia Wesleyan at 1 p.m. today, needing to get two wins in order to advance into the NCAA II Super Regional.
On Saturday, Smith continued to add to her totals as she connected with a home run in Lock Haven's 4-1 win over rival Bloomsburg. Then, with an encore performance in the Eagles next contest, Smith went 3-for-3 with a double, helping Lock Haven defeat California (Pa.), 6-3.
"It feels really good to get some recognition for my hitting," Smith said recently. "In high school I was always known for my pitching."
Smith has continued to dominate with her arm.
In her initial season, while also tying for the team lead in home runs with four, the former Milton standout appeared in 22 games, going 14-5 with 72 strikeouts in 113.1 innings, earning PSAC Central Freshman of the Year.
"The level of play is a lot better," Smith said. "I've had to learn how to place the ball better and get more movement."
The learning curve was something Smith seemed to have little problems with as she has continued to be one of the Eagles top players.
This year, Smith is 10-6 with a 3.22 ERA?over 17 starts and 29 games.
And not wanting to focus just on her pitching, Smith has put together another great season at the plate, topping her .328 first-year average with .362.
And she's still adding to those numbers, with at least one game left in the the Lady Eagles' season, Smith has shattered her previous mark of four home runs, hitting 15 over the course of the 2012 season.
"I told every college coach I spoke with she could play any position and she will be one of their best hitters," Milton coach Bill Keefer said. Keefer coached Smith in high school, winning four consecutive District 4 Class AAA titles with Smith as the ace. "I'm surprised by the power numbers she's putting up, but I'm not surprised by the average. She's just been that good of a hitter all along."
Keefer even added some insight into Smith's work ethic, telling a story about her senior year and almost losing her for the season.
Smith, not wanting to be beat in wind sprints, crashed into a wall in the gym, nearly breaking her wrist.
"I thought she was done," Keefer said with a smile. "But that's just how competitive she is. She's just one super kid and I couldn't be happier for her."
The stories weren't all just of the funny training variety, though. Smith's dedication to her sport has been unmatched. Keefer said Smith would typically head to the field for some extra hitting, focusing on the one out she might have made as opposed to the three hits she provided.
"Most people think she is just a pitcher and I think that helped her through high school," Keefer said. "She is strong and has worked hard all of her life. If she goes 3-for-4, but makes an out, she'll be at the field after the game practicing."
