CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This week’s athlete of the week is a star on and off the field.

Ki’Anthony Smith at West Charlotte High School is a sophomore and the team’s starting quarterback, a position he never expected to play.

What You Need To Know

  •  Ki'Anthony Smith is leading the team to a 6-1 record so far in 2023

  •  Smith is focused on schoolwork and football as he looks ahead to college

  •  Smith's coach says few players display Smith's natural leadership ability 

Originally a defensive back, Smith’s coach said the now-sophomore stepped up at the end of last season and this year, has led the team to a 6-1 record.

For Smith, he just loves playing football. 

“I really just enjoy football because it’s just a way for me to provide for my family and it’s just fun at the same time,” Smith said at practice this week.

Smith, or KD as the team calls him, said he’s enjoying playing quarterback, especially this year as the team is 6-1.

“It’s really just a feeling of winning man, you know, got to step up for the team and play quarterback, so I did it. Now we winning, we just want to keep it going,” he said with a smile.

West Charlotte head coach Sam Greiner said it was no surprise when KD stepped up to lead the team. 

“I think that he was a born leader and it’s something you can’t really teach— It’s just something that lives inside of them,” Greiner said while watching practice.

Greiner is in his 8th season of coaching high school football and said he’s seen few players like Smith. 

But, off the field performance is important too. Smith has a 3.7 GPA and is already thinking about college, according to Greiner. 

“He knows if he’s falling behind in class, and he says look I got a low B, I’m going to go to tutoring. He gets it done, he still gets to practice on time,” Greiner said. “He’s just one of those guys that just can reflect themself in the mirror and figure out what he needs to fix before we need to correct it.”

Additionally, Greiner said Smith has a great support system and family to hold him accountable. 

Smith said his hard work on the field and in the classroom is paying off, and requires a strong mindset to maintain.

“I really just want to go to school for something athletic, probably like sports medicine or something like that. Just staying in the sports business, while also going with my actual sports,” Smith said. 

Greiner said Smith already earned one collegiate scholarship offer, but Smith is focused on the next play and the big picture.

“It’s not really where I go, it’s more so what I do with the education I get. I mean it’s not really a specific college — any college is great for anybody. Just going to college would be a good thing for me, no matter where I’m at,” Smith added.

Greiner and Smith said the goal for this season is a state championship. Smith plans to return to playing defense in college.