Jim Thorpe graduate Olivia Smelas was recently names the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Women’s Eastern Division Defensive Athlete of the Week.

Smelas, a sophomore for Kutztown University, helped lead the Golden Bears to a 3-0 week last week. On the defensive side of the floor, she finished with seven steals and three blocks along with 34 total rebounds - 32 of which were defensive.

Against East Stroudsburg, Smelas had a career-best night, ending with highs in steals (five) and rebounds (15). In a win over Shepherd, Smelas had 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. In a victory against Mansfield, she ended with seven points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

Smelas is one of just two players in the PSAC in the top-11 in both steals (40) and blocks (20) this season.