Pepsi Sponsored Sports Spotlight: Ivion Smith

NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – In today’s Pepsi Sports Spotlight we are showing off a student-athlete from New Bern who has been a staple for his team.

New Bern resident and high school’s soon-to-be senior, Ivion Smith is not only successful academically, but according to his coach, Terrance Saxby, he doubles his success on the football field.

“He’s fast, he’s smart, he’s got great hands, he’s got great agility, and he is coachable which is probably one of his best attributes that he is coachable,” Saxby said.

Smith has played football his whole life. Starting at a young age he would watch and study great athletes on the field.

“I would wake up in the middle of the night to watch movies or my dad would have the game on and I would watch with him. I started at 4 years old but ever since then I just always loved football,” Smith said.

Coach Saxby has high hopes for Smith. Saxby emphasizes that Smith does everything the right way and that is what you look for in a young man who is looking to do great things.

“He comes from a very good family, loving parents who support him and you know and it shows. He is one of our leaders, one of our captains,” Saxby said.

Smith says he has had to overcome some challenges throughout his time as an athlete – like dealing with an injury — but he focuses on always persevering.

“I got hurt last year in the playoffs so I could not play in last year’s game, the game we lost against Cleveland. I got hurt my sophomore year when we went to state, I hurt my knee but I came right back the next week,” Smith said.

According to Coach Saxby, this year Smith will be in a few different positions, offense and defense, remaining confident that there aren’t many positions on the field that Smith can’t excel in.

The future remains clear for Smith, playing collegiate football. According to Smith, he’s already receiving offers and hoping to study business in college.

New Bern High School’s first game is an away game against Willow Spring on Friday, August 23rd at 7 p.m.

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