Smith grew up in Whitby, Canada, encouraged by her father Sean to play football from a young age. She played with boys until 12, then joined girls' teams while continuing to train with boys. Her multicultural background—Jamaican father, Chilean and Peruvian mother—gave her South American flair.

She turned to taekwondo and gymnastics to cope with school bullying, which improved her discipline, agility, and mental toughness. Sean tracked her stats meticulously, filming games and keeping a goal diary. Smith left home at 15 to pursue football in Michigan, sacrificing relationships but gaining independence.

She now begins her second season at Arsenal, calling it 'the place that's meant to be'. She aims to stay long-term after years of moving, and enjoys cooking, watching Law and Order: SVU, and hopes to get a puppy.