Baseball has always been the focal point for junior shortstop Cory Smith, who has been one of Wesley’s top hitters the past two seasons.  A two-year starter from Dover, Del., Smith also plays strong defense for the Wolverines and helped turn an NCAA record seven double plays in one game during the 2013 CAC playoffs against Mary Washington.  INTRODUCING … Cory Smith.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?  I started playing baseball when I was five years old.  I played little league, travel baseball, legion baseball, showcase baseball, middle school and high school baseball before joining Wesley’s program.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am a K-12 Physical Education Major.  The most important thing I have learned is introducing Physical Education to kids at a young age can help them gain an interest to live an active lifestyle.

What is your favorite spot on campus?   My favorite spot of campus is the baseball field because I use it as a get away from the classroom and homework.  While I am at the field, I can focus on baseball and forget about school for a few hours.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?    Outside of home and campus, my favorite place to visit is my dad’s grave site. Even though most people may think of this as a sad thing, I know I can go visit to talk about anything from frustrations to the good things going on.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?   Baseball has always been a big part of my life so when I find time I try to help coach younger players.  I work with players in little league and travel baseball.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   My most memorable experience during my collegiate career was this year against New Jersey City when I hit a walk-off double with two outs in the bottom of 9^th inning to score the runner on first base.  I had never had a walk-off hit before, so it will always stay with me.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?   Other than my family, the most influential person in my life is my high school baseball coach, Corey Wyatt.  He taught me so many things not only in baseball, but about life in general.  No matter how many negative things may be going on, he is always a positive person and is always there to talk to for anything. 

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   I think the most important societal issue facing college students in the economy.  It is difficult to find a job and start a career, so college students need to realize it is important to stay in school and keep their grades up to help better their chances of starting a career after school.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it?   If I could change one thing, I think it would be to find a way to decrease the cost of college.  College can be pretty expensive and students are faced with student loans once they graduate.  If I knew of a way to change this I would, but I have no idea how to make this change.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?   I’ve always been the type of person to be outside, so my favorite form of entertainment is just being outside.  I like to hunt and fish, so I’m always entertaining myself with something related to that.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   If I could give one piece of advice to elementary school students it would be to chase their dreams.  Even if they don’t reach their dreams, they will never know unless they try.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?   My favorite sports person is Brian Roberts because he’s one of the smaller players in major league baseball.  He overcame his lack of size to get where he is and also played for the Orioles - my favorite team

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?   I would have dinner with my dad because he passed away when I was three years old and I don’t have any memories of him. Another person would be Cal Ripken Jr because he was one of my favorite players growing up.  Last, I would have dinner with Justin Moore because he’s my favorite country music singer.