Oct 26

Oct 26 Maddox Smith Etches Name in North Lenoir History with Record-Breaking Season

Maddox Smith Etches Name in North Lenoir History with Record-Breaking Season

North Lenoir senior Maddox Smith has cemented his legacy as the greatest offensive player in the program's history. In a commanding 9-0 victory over West Craven on October 23, 2025, Smith broke the school's single-season goal record with five goals and three assists, pushing his season totals to 47 goals and 17 assists for 111 points through 22 games. This performance not only secured the single-season goal record, surpassing Taiwan Hines’ 35 goals set in 2017, but also smashed Hines’ single-season points record of 79 from the same year. Smith’s remarkable campaign has also seen him break North Lenoir’s all-time career goal record of 86, set by Hines in 2017, with 91 career goals, and become the program’s all-time leader in career assists (55) and points (237) across 81 varsity games.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Smith said after the West Craven game. “Breaking these records means a lot, but I couldn’t do it without my teammates. They get me the ball in the right spots, and Coach Evans trusts us to play our game. It’s a team effort every step of the way.”

A Historic Season Fueled by Chemistry

Smith’s 2025 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. His 47 goals place him among the state’s elite, ranking ninth across all North Carolina classifications and first in 4A for both goals and points. Alongside him, teammate and longtime friend Nery Aguilar has redefined the assist column, setting a new single-season record with 32 assists, surpassing Carmen Enriquez’s 2018 mark of 20. Their chemistry has been the heartbeat of North Lenoir’s attack, with Aguilar assisting on 21 of Smith’s goals this season.

“Nery’s vision is unreal,” Smith said. “He knows where I’m going before I do. We’ve been playing together so long, it’s like we’re on the same wavelength.”

Coach Chris Evans, who has guided the Hawks to a 10-12 record despite a grueling non-conference schedule, marvels at the duo’s impact. “A coach is very lucky to get a guy that can take over a game while making everyone else around him better,” Evans said. “This happens about every 5-10 years you get a guy like this. But a coach is blessed to get two that can play together and take over a game. That’s what we’ve had the last couple of years with Maddox Smith and Nery Aguilar. Maddox can play anywhere, but is our biggest weapon up top as a scorer. Nery can direct traffic while controlling the midfield and is cool as a cucumber while doing it. Don’t get me wrong, this is a team sport and everyone has contributed this year to winning games, but these two are special to our team. They will be missed next season. I am proud of the success they have had.”

A Family Affair

Smith’s soccer journey began at age four, nurtured by a family that lives and breathes the sport. His father, Brian, recalls Maddox’s early obsession: “He’s always been about soccer—watching it, playing it, talking stats. Even as a kid, he’d wake up and break down games on ESPN.” His mother, Brittany, instilled a relentless work ethic, pushing him to refine his footwork and versatility with both feet. “Mom’s the toughest on me,” Smith said with a grin. “She’s always on me about the details—running, touches, everything.”

Adding to the family dynamic is Maddox’s younger brother, Evan, North Lenoir’s starting goalkeeper. Evan, once uninterested in soccer, found his calling in the net after the family set up a backyard goal. Now a standout with 117 saves and a 2.54 goals-against average in 2025, Evan anchors the Hawks’ defense while Maddox leads the attack. “Having Evan back there is special,” Maddox said. “He’s young, but he’s taken charge of the back line like a veteran.”

Leadership Beyond the Stats

Smith’s impact transcends numbers. A four-year varsity starter, he’s evolved into a leader who sees the game differently, adapting to multiple positions and guiding teammates with his vision and tempo. “Playing different roles has made me better,” he said. “You learn how the field works from every angle.” Evans calls him “a coach on the field,” noting his ability to control possession and rally the team.

Despite the records, Smith remains his own toughest critic. “I’m proud my name will be in the books, but I’m always asking, ‘What more can I do?’” he said. For a deep playoff run, he believes the Hawks (7-4 in conference) must sharpen their passing and tempo. “We need to move the ball faster,” he said. “If we trust our passes and play quick, we can beat anyone.”

A Legacy Built on Humility

Smith’s journey reflects a rare blend of talent, work ethic, and humility. From backyard battles to BodyArmor State Games, where he earned a scholarship competing against top talent, he’s grown under the guidance of Clinton United club coach Danny Walsh and Evans’ trust in his players. “Coach Evans listens to us,” Smith said. “If we see something on the field, he helps us fix it. That’s huge for our growth.”

As North Lenoir prepares for its final regular-season game and a potential playoff push, Smith’s focus remains on team success. “The records are great, but it’s about what we do as a team,” he said. “I just want to play and keep pushing us forward.”

His father sums it up best: “Maddox has never chased attention. He just loves the game.” That love has not only rewritten North Lenoir’s record books but also set a standard for future Hawks to chase.