By The Keystone Newspaper Smela’s efforts help Golden Bears to a 12-8 record halfway through the 2025-26 season
By Tommy Scuderi
Senior Olivia Smelas was named PSAC Defensive Athlete of the Week for the fourth time this season following a Week 11 performance that helped the Golden Bears to a 12–8 record at the midway point of the 2025–26 season.
The biggest performance of Olivia Smelas’s career came at home against East Stroudsburg on Tuesday, Jan. 27, as the senior pulled down a record-tying 22 rebounds to help KU secure a 62–59 overtime victory against the Warriors.
Two nights later, in a win over Mansfield, Smelas was one rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with a season-high 14 points and nine rebounds. She also added two assists, one block and one steal in the victory.
During Week 11 action, Smelas averaged seven points per game, 15.5 rebounds per game, three assists per game and 1.5 steals per game, earning her fourth Defensive Athlete of the Week honor this season.
Smelas has now earned Defensive Athlete of the Week recognition in Weeks 11, 7, 6, and 4. On the season, she is averaging 9.1 rebounds per game, 6.9 points per game, 2.5 steals per game and 1.4 blocks per game.
Smelas was not the only Golden Bear to earn weekly honors this season, as Ariana Smuda was named Defensive Athlete of the Week in Week 9.
The defending PSAC champions have been a defensive staple through the first 20 games of the season, ranking third in the conference in points allowed as they look to defend their conference crown.
The Golden Bears return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 4, when they host West Chester at 5:30 p.m.