ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: LAYNE SMITH

a woman standing in front of a yellow wall

Layne Smith
Senior, Coral Shores
Swimming

“Layne has always had her eye on the prize.” – Hurricanes swim coach Kelly Owens

For many swimmers, the 500 freestyle event is a bit too grueling. For Coral Shores senior Layne Smith, it’s merely a warmup. The Hurricanes’ golden girl swam away with a district championship last week, and her dedication to the sport gives her an advantage heading into regionals. 

“Her year-round training and commitment has led to her success in the pool this season,” said ’Canes coach Kelly Owens. “We are excited to see what she can do at regionals this week.” Smith will compete in four total races at regionals with the hope of punching her card to the state event in early November. 

Smith’s district championship medal in the 500 free pairs nicely with her silver district medal in the 200 freestyle race. And if competing in the longest race of the day, plus a second individual event, was not enough, Smith will swim a leg on two Hurricane relay events to showcase her prowess in the pool. For her dedication to the sport of swimming and fearsome competitive spirit, Coral Shores’ Layne Smith is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Tracy McDonald
Tracy McDonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.