Softball: Izzy Smith may be small, but she packs a powerful punch for York

York junior third baseman Izzy Smith barely lifted her head up while jogging around the bases in her final at-bat on Thursday.

Smith had just belted a two-run home run over the right-center field fence, her second long ball in York’s 12-2 win over Lyons Township in West Suburban Silver play. She belted a three-run shot in the fourth to hand York a 4-2 lead, helping ignite a late-inning scoring spree.

Despite her small stature, Smith possesses a lot of power in her bat. For Smith, big hits have become the norm in her breakout season. In 14 games, she’s batting .373 with 25 hits.

“I try not to make a big deal out of home runs,” Smith said of her understated approach. “I’m happy, but I’m not going to try and swing for the fences. I’m happy just to help the team with a hit and getting on base and driving in runs.”

Smith is a key contributor for the Dukes. Her vast potential surfaced early in her freshman season, when she was promoted to the varsity. She opened her varsity career in a position, right field, not traditionally utilized for promising or contributing players. Smith, though, took her new position in stride.

“I was a freshman on varsity, so I didn’t expect much,” said Smith, who later moved to third base. “It was kind of a new setting for me. I was used to playing in the infield, but I had to adjust to everything, from different movements and where the pitch was going. It was a struggle, especially being a freshman.”

After a solid sophomore season, Smith started gaining attention from colleges. She committed to Northern Illinois earlier this season.

“I didn’t expect to commit so early,” Smith said, “but I was excited to also commit early. I’m lucky to get an opportunity to play in college.”

York coach Elizabeth Munn said Smith is a natural in softball, noting that she was never fazed by playing on the varsity early in her career.

“She’s come a long way since her freshman year when I had her in right field,” Munn said. “She does a great job fielding and obviously with her hitting. She’s a special player and really been hitting the ball for us all season.

“We have a lot of power hitters in our lineup, especially in the three, four and five spots. Izzy has been consistent driving in runs all season and been playing well at third.”

With senior catcher Madison Collins, a Carleton College commit, and senior center fielder Kyra Kroll, a Western Illinoi recruit, leading the way, Smith said the Dukes can be a team to watch in the Class 4A playoffs. The Dukes defeated two-time defending 4A champion Oak Park-River Forest 9-8 on Friday. York scored seven runs in the final two innings to win the conference game.

“We have a strong team and we’re all super good friends,” Smith said. “We just build off each other and each try and carry the lineup. Our goal is to play hard, get first in the conference and go far in the playoffs.”