Channing Smith played 4 years of varsity softball at Lowndes high school, started for 3 of those 4 at both 2nd base and catcher, earning her a scholarship to play collegiate softball at Georgia Southwestern State University. Smith sustained an elbow injury during freshman season at GSW and had to get surgery. Despite the injury, Smith was on the peach belt conference presidential honor roll and was a part of the Jimmy Carter Leadership Program. Smith then transferred to Valdosta State with the intent to play during the fall, however, re-injured the same elbow and required Tommy John surgery. This surgery was deemed career ending due to recovery time. Smith was asked and accepted an assistant coaching position at VSU under coach Macera.
