CALIFORNIA (Jan. 28) – California University of Pennsylvania junior forward
Kayla Smith (Elkins, W.Va./Elkins) has established herself as one of the top post players throughout her career. This year, however, she stands atop NCAA Division II in rebounding as of games through Sunday.
A 5-11 forward, Smith is averaging a career-high 12.1 rebounds through 18 games this season. In terms of all NCAA divisions – D-I, D-III and D-III – she ranks tied for 18th nationally and only three NCAA Division I players are averaging more rebounds than Smith.
With nine regular-season games remaining, the West Virginia native is on pace to register one of the top rebounding seasons in school history. Her average of 12.1 rebounds per game is the highest since Cal U Hall of Fame inductee
Heather Corby set the single-season school records with 366 total rebounds and 13.6 rebounds per game in 1998-99.
Smith is the only player in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) averaging a double-double this year. She also ranks seventh in the league with 15.9 points per game and is among the conference leaders in blocks (1.3 per game) and minutes (33.9 per game). She has posted a career-high 14 double-doubles this year and has registered 33 double-doubles throughout her career.
Only a junior, she ranks 10th in school history with 1,333 career points and ninth with 771 career rebounds.
Smith isn’t the only Vulcan among the D-II national leaders.
Senior guard
Brooque Williams (Pittsburgh, Pa./Perry) ranked 11th in the country in scoring, averaging 20.2 points per game entering the week. The veteran from Pittsburgh also is fifth nationally with 3.8 steals per game.
The former Perry standout is currently third in school history and 15th all-time in league history with 1,888 points. The reigning PSAC West Player of the Year, Williams leads the conference in scoring and steals this season.
Behind the play of All-America candidates Smith and Williams, the Vulcans rank No. 20 in the latest
USA Today/ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Poll and are second in the initial NCAA Atlantic Regional rankings. Cal U holds a 14-4 overall record and continues PSAC West play on Saturday, Jan. 30, when it opens a three-game homestand, beginning with Mercyhurst.