Female Athlete of Week: Smith helps change culture at JV
Name: Halee Smith
School: Juniata Valley
Age: 17
Grade: Junior
Sport: Basketball
Athlete of the week achievement: Smith scored 27 points, had seven rebounds and five assists for Juniata Valley in a victory over Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic. She went over the 1,000-point mark for her career in the game.
Season update: Smith is averaging 25.3 points per game through three games.
Coach Rachelle Hopsicker’s quote: “It was appropriate that she hit a 3-pointer for her 1,000th point, because she worked so hard on her shot. When she came into our program, we had not won a playoff game in a few years, and she’s helped to change the culture of our program.”
Favorite teacher: Mr. Smith
Favorite subject: Chemistry
Favorite movie: Harry Potter series
Favorite food: Buffalo chicken dip
Favorite song: “Eastside” by Khalid
Outside interests: Volleyball, track and hanging out with friends
Favorite professional team: Golden State Warriors
Pro athlete most admired: Michael Jordan
Best athlete I ever competed against: Bellwood-Antis’ Alli Campbell
Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents, Mike and Anita
Proudest athletic achievement: Making it to the state championship two years in a row and winning nationals with my CPA Dynamite team.
How I got my start in basketball: My parents were my coaches, and I played in a community center league in Huntingdon.
Future goal: I want to go Division I in college for basketball.