Riley Reisner is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Basha High School for AZPreps365.com.

When Basha High School baseball takes the field this season, a strong voice will be leading the way from behind the plate. With last year’s standout seniors graduating, the team has looked to senior catcher Grant Smith to step up as a leader, both on and off the field. Nicknamed “Monster” for his presence behind the dish, Smith isn’t just embracing the challenge—he’s thriving in it.

Smith has been a cornerstone of Basha’s defense for the past two seasons, but this year, he’s taking on an expanded role. "It's kind of been the same throughout the last two years because I started last year and felt like I was kind of a leader on the team," Smith said. "But now it's just controlling our pitching staff like I did last year and starting to lead the team more."

A catcher is often regarded as the backbone of a baseball team, balancing game-calling responsibilities with keeping the energy high in the dugout. Smith has embraced this responsibility, becoming not just a defensive anchor but also a mentor to his teammates.

"I talk in practices. I teach more or coach more of the pitchers and control them more, and then during the game, I focus more on the hitters," Smith explained.

Head coach Eric Albright has witnessed Smith’s growth firsthand, both as a player and a leader. "He's definitely matured. He's grown physically as well as mentally. And like I said, he's kind of our backstop of our defense, being a catcher. But he's also a team leader in regards to everything that we do out here," Albright said.

Smith’s leadership isn’t just about what he does during games. Albright noted his work ethic and dedication, pointing out, "He's taking the tarp off and just doing the things that you have to do to get ready for our practice and show leadership qualities."

Assistant coach Victor Olivares echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Smith’s role as an example for younger players. "Him being just a catalyst behind the plate, knowing everything, he's like a quarterback back there," Olivares said. "So just his actions and everything, and kids follow, and he's outspoken, and he does what's right." From leading team chats to ensuring his pitchers are prepared, Smith has become a dependable figure that the entire team looks up to.

Beyond leadership, Smith is also focused on refining his game and helping his teammates develop. "My better qualities are definitely my mindset on the field, controlling the pitchers, helping out my defense as much as possible," Smith said. "Then, hitting-wise, my approach and being able to teach the other kids around me my approach to help them out."

With his final high school season underway, Smith’s goals extend beyond personal statistics. "My personal goals are kind of just to perform, help my team in any way I can," Smith said. "I don't have any like numbers-wise, but anything I can do to help the team to win a championship."

That championship mentality is exactly what his coaches and teammates admire about him. As Albright pointed out, Smith has the drive to do something special, which is why he has earned the opportunity to play at the next level in college baseball.

"He's a good kid on the field and off the field, and that's what we're looking for in this program," Albright said.

As the Basha Bears look to make a deep run this season, all eyes will be on their senior catcher. Whether he's managing the pitching staff, controlling the defense, or leading by example, Grant Smith is proving that leadership is about more than just words—it’s about action. In his final season at Basha, he’s making sure his impact will be felt long after he’s gone.