Darby Shaw Smith

Darby Shaw-Smith is a 2016 Eastern Hancock graduate. Darby participated in basketball and softball. She earned two varsity letters in basketball and four varsity letters in softball, with her softball accomplishments earning her tonight’s recognition.

At the time of her graduation, Darby may have been the most accomplished pitcher in Eastern Hancock history. Darby was named All-County as a freshman, junior, and senior. She was named All Mid-Hoosier Conference as a junior and senior. Darby was a leader of sectional and regional championship teams as a first-year student and senior. Her senior season the team was the most successful softball team to date in Eastern Hancock history, advancing to the Final Four of the state tournament before a 3-2 extra inning loss ending the season just short of the state championship game. Darby graduated holding school records for a single season in strikeouts, wins, and earned run average and the career records for wins and earned run average. She still holds the single season records for wins and strikeouts, along with the career record for wins. She led her teams to a career record of 80-23 during her four years.

Following graduation, Darby pitched for one year of Division 1 softball at Indiana-Fort Wayne. She then transferred to Taylor University, where she successfully pitched the next two seasons. Darby was named Crossroads League Academic All-Conference and a Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athlete as a junior. Her senior season at Taylor was lost due to the pandemic.

Since graduating from Taylor, Darby has earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis and now works at Community Health Network.