How much would Amanda Smith be able to contribute to the Peabody High volleyball team this year?

That was the big question facing coach Lisa Keene as she got ready for the start of the season a few months ago.

Smith was forced to sit out all of last season after undergoing back surgery to correct scoliosis, a problem with the curve of her spine.

But Smith was determined to help her team this fall. And when Keene saw what great shape her offside setter was in when practices began, she knew Smith would once again be a solid contributor for the Tanners.

It didn't take long for Smith to earn a starting role, and she helped the Tanners qualify for the postseason.

"To be honest, I wasn't sure at the beginning of the year what role she would be able to play. Amanda has plesantly surprised me," Keene said. "It wouldn't have happened if she wasn't completely committed to report in great shape, ready to help out right from the start.

"Not playing the whole year as a junior is a lot of time to lose at a crucial time, and most girls wouldn't be able to do what Amanda has done this season. She made a total commitment to be in shape to play, and that says a lot about her. We're so glad she's back; her contributions have meant a lot to this team."

Smith learned she had scoliosis when the problem was diagnosed during routine testing. When her condition worsened, she decided to go ahead and have the surgery doctors had recommended to correct the problem.

"I never knew I had scoliosis until they tested at school when I was in seventh grade," said Smith, who is also the starting third baseman for the Tanner softball team and a captain-elect. "I was really surprised because I never had any symptoms and it didn't hurt at all.

"I had to wear the Boston back brace in the eighth grade to stabilize the curve in my spine, but that didn't work too well. It went from 38 degrees to 64 degrees by my sophomore year, and that's when my doctor said I would have complications with breathing and posture unless I had the surgery. I knew I needed to get it done before it got any worse."

Smith was operated on in July 2008. What is normally a six-month rehabilitation process stretched out to eight months after complications developing following the operation.

As soon as she was able to, Smith began rehabilitation in order to get back in playing shape. She returned for the Peabody High softball season this past spring, then set her sights on returning to the volleyball court.

"Playing softball really helped me a lot," said Smith. "I've been playing for such a long time and do it year-round with the Mass. Wildcats.

"While I was sidelined (in volleyball), my friend Ginny Fleming started in my position at setter and did a great job, so I knew she'd start again this season. She's still there, and now I'm the offside or second setter. I worked very hard to earn playing time, and after a while coach Keane put me in as a starter.

"We have a lot of powerful seniors; so many good people on this team," she added. "Our main goal from the beginning has been to make the playoffs, and now that we've accomplished it we want to go far into the tournament."

Smith is an excellent student with a 3.55 grade point average and is ranked 38th in her class. A member of the National Honor Society, she wants to attend either Stonehill College or UConn, and plans to major in biology/pre-dental.

"I know I want to be an orthodontist," said Smith. "I've shadowed Dr. (Frank) Varinos in Peabody and Dr. (Sheldon) Sullaway at Tufts Dental School. That's really great experience because I watch them perform surgeries, and that's what I want to do someday."

Even though Smith was unable to play last season, she was still very much a part of the team, helping out in every possible way.

"She made every practice and game unless she had a doctor's appointment," said Keene. "She helped set up practices for me and was also our scorekeeper. I'm just so glad she's back out there now as our right side hitter and very consistent server.

"Amanda is a huge role model. She's a wonderful kid who is a very quiet person and shows so much leadership by example. She doesn't talk a lot, but her actions speak volumes."