Kennedy Smith: The Rise of a Superstar
A Two-Way Talent, A Championship Pedigree, and A Name You Won’t Forget
Basketball is a game of heart, hustle, and grit—qualities that define Kennedy Smith. Before she was making a name for herself as a freshman force at USC, before she was locking down opponents and putting up numbers worthy of national recognition, she was just a kid from Chino, California—a town where, at any time of day, you can step outside and take in the fresh scent of cow manure wafting through the air.
Growing up in a place better known for dairy farms than Division I talent, Smith developed a toughness that would serve her well on the court. Maybe it was those early morning workouts infused with the unmistakable aroma of livestock that built her resilience. Or maybe it was simply in her nature—relentless, fearless, and destined for something bigger.
No matter the reason, Kennedy Smith deserves her flowers. She’s dominated at every level, and if her freshman season at USC is any indication, she’s only getting started.
A Storied High School Career
Before making waves in the college game, Kennedy Smith was already a certified winner at Etiwanda High School. She didn’t just put up numbers—she won, over and over again, leading her team to championships while stacking up accolades along the way.
Her list of high school accomplishments speaks for itself:
2023 McDonald’s All-American – Recognized as one of the top 24 high school players in the nation, an honor reserved for only the most elite talents.
2023 Jordan Brand Classic Selection – Further cementing her status among the top high school players in the country.
2023 CIF State Open Division Champion – Led Etiwanda to a historic state title, proving she could perform under pressure and deliver at the highest level.
CIF Open Division Southern Section Champion – Won multiple sectional titles, dominating some of the best competition in California.
Back-to-Back Nike Tournament of Champions Titles – Guided Etiwanda to consecutive championships in one of the most prestigious high school basketball tournaments in the country.
2023 California Gatorade Player of the Year Finalist – Recognized as one of the best players in the state for her leadership, skill, and dominance.
Multiple All-State and All-CIF Selections – Named among the top players in California throughout her high school career.
Averaged Over 20 Points and 10 Rebounds Per Game in Her Senior Season – Showcasing her ability to score efficiently while being a force on the boards.
Smith didn’t just dominate—she played winning basketball at the highest level in California. When she stepped on the court, her team expected to win. More often than not, they did.
Dominance from the Start
Smith wasn’t just another talented recruit—she was the recruit. Coming out of high school, she was one of the most highly sought-after players in the country, known for her ability to do a little bit of everything. She could score, rebound, defend, and facilitate, making her the kind of player every coach dreams of building a team around. When she committed to USC, it was clear the Trojans were getting a future star.
And she didn’t waste any time proving it. As a true freshman, Smith has already become a key piece of USC’s rotation, showing flashes of brilliance in nearly every facet of the game. Averaging 9.9 points per game, she has quickly established herself as an efficient and versatile scorer. She’s shooting 43.6% from the field (70th percentile) and 34.3% from three (74th percentile), demonstrating a well-rounded offensive skill set. Her ability to finish inside is elite, boasting a 54.7% two-point percentage (88th percentile), and her true shooting percentage of 55.2% (81st percentile) proves that she’s not just putting up numbers—she’s doing it at an incredibly efficient rate.
And just when you think she’s only about scoring, Smith makes sure you remember she’s a defensive nightmare.
The Defensive Snub Heard Around the Big Ten
Defense is where Smith truly sets herself apart. She’s everywhere on the court—jumping passing lanes, blocking shots, shutting down elite scorers. Her 2.1 steals per game (97th percentile) and 0.7 blocks per game (88th percentile) put her among the elite defenders in the nation. She has the rare ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt offenses, and make winning plays when her team needs them most.
And yet, despite being one of the most impactful defenders in the Big Ten, Smith was shockingly left off the conference’s All-Defensive Team—a massive oversight that doesn’t just seem like a snub, but an outright mistake. Anyone who watched her play knows she was one of the best defenders in the conference. The numbers prove it. The eye test confirms it. The only ones who didn’t seem to notice? The voters.
But if there’s one thing we know about Smith, it’s that she’s going to use this as fuel. That defensive team might have missed out on her this season, but they won’t be able to ignore her much longer.
Recognition and a Future as USC’s Cornerstone
While the defensive team voters may have dropped the ball, others knew better. Smith was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team; an honor that highlights just how much of an impact she has had in her first season. But make no mistake—this is just the beginning.
Beyond her defensive prowess and scoring ability, Smith has also shown flashes of being an elite playmaker. Her assist percentage of 11.7% and assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.12 (76th percentile) indicate that she’s not just a scorer—she’s a facilitator, someone who can create opportunities for teammates and keep the offense moving. In her most recent stretch of games, her assist percentage has jumped to 13.7%, and her assist-to-turnover ratio has climbed to 1.33 (85th percentile), showing a clear evolution in her ability to orchestrate an offense.
She has also embraced the physicality of college basketball, increasing her free throw attempt rate from 21.3% to 34.3% in her last five games, showing that she’s attacking the rim more and finding ways to get to the line. These are the signs of a player who isn’t just settling in—she’s elevating.
The Future of USC Women’s Basketball
With her combination of skill, versatility, and tenacity, Smith represents the future of USC women’s basketball. She’s already an impact player, but the scary part? She’s only scratching the surface of her potential.
She’s coming off an All-Freshman Team selection, she’s already playing at an elite level on both ends of the floor, and she has the mentality of a player who will never be satisfied. The All-Defensive Team snub will only push her to be even better.
From the cow-scented air of Chino to the bright lights of USC, Smith has remained true to herself—hardworking, fearless, and ready to take on any challenge. And while she may have left the farmland behind, she has brought that same toughness with her to the court.
Kennedy Smith is not just a name to watch—she’s a force to be reckoned with. And this is just the beginning.