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Damian Price and Carrington Smith joined elite company after Bainbridge Middle School named them the 2023-2024 Athletes of the Year.

The pair of 8th graders competed and excelled in three or more sports during the school year. More importantly, according to BMS Athletic Director Chad Smith, they both maintained 4.0 GPAs.

“If you can’t get it done at school and in class, then you don’t have an opportunity to get it done on the field,” Smith said. “You really get nothing off of these two kids but good things… Man, just two very deserving athletes.” 

Damian Price is the Male Athlete of the Year. He played football, basketball and baseball for the Bearcats. 

Bearcats’ head baseball coach Justin Palmer has coached Price in all three years of his middle school career. He said Price has developed into a strong competitor who “has the tools to exceed the expectations” in high school athletics.

“I’ve seen tremendous growth, not only physically, but mentally as well,” Palmer said. “Damian is an outstanding competitor that accepts any challenge, and will find a way to be successful through any situation.”

Bearcats’ basketball coach Pat Clark said Price was nominated for his hard work, academic excellence and skill in his sports. Clark praised Price for having “great character” and “representing the Bearcat brand with Pride.”

“He is a great leader,” Clark said. “The sky is the limit for this young man.” 

Carrington Smith is the Female Athlete of the Year. She played soccer and competed in cross country, track and cheerleading for the Bearcats. 

Bearcats’ cross country and soccer coach BJ Johns worked with Smith in both sports for all three years of her middle school career. He described Smith as “competitive,” “encouraging” and “fierce.”

“She has an encouraging attitude on and off the field,” Johns said. “Competitive and fierce on and off the field and just an absolute joy to work with and be around.”

Along with her four sports, Smith participates in FFA and FCA and is active in her church. Her father, previously mentioned Athletic Director Chad Smith, said he’s proud of his daughter for her ability to balance and excel in all that she does.

“She’s active, and she doesn’t miss a day of church,” Smith said. “Before sports and academics, she’s God first.”