Smith signs with IUPUI

Greencastle senior Evan Smith signs his letter of intent to play soccer for IUPUI. Supporting Smith are (front, from left) his father Bill Smith, Smith, mother Erika Gilmore, (back, from left) GHS soccer coach Dave Lilly, SCSA coaches Matt Wilhoit and Nick Hargett and GHS principal Russ Hesler.

Greencastle senior Evan Smith began his athletic journey with the Putnam County Youth Soccer League. On Tuesday he committed to continue it after high school as a member of the Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis Jaguars.

Smith, a midfielder, signed his letter of intent to join IUPUI next fall.

As a three-year member of the Tiger Cubs, Smith scored 18 goals and 53 assists in 56 games.

This fall Smith competed as a member of the US Soccer Development Academy's Indiana Fire, which is located in Carmel.

Not being able to compete for Greencastle in his senior year was a challenge, but it left Smith prepared for the collegiate junior he'll begin next year.

Smith first caught notice of college scouts when he attended camps in January 2012.

After getting interest from a number of programs, and taking official visits to Butler and the University of Illinois-Chicago, he narrowed his choice to two: IUPUI and Indiana University.

Smith said that given the style the programs play, the choice was easy.

"The direction that IUPUI has ... fit me better as a player," he said. "IU had a lot of midfielders, and IUPUI gave me a better chance of playing. They're going in a forward direction."

Smith has been playing soccer since joining the PCYSL as a youngster, and gives back his time now, refereeing games and volunteering.

He hopes his preparation, both as a soccer player and student, will have him ready to go this fall.