At a glance
Alfred State College All-American basketball Thia Smith (Elmira Free) has decided to continue her collegiate career at CW Post after two stellar seasons as a Lady Pioneer. CW Post, located in Brookville, NY, is a campus of Long Island University and is a member of the East Coast Conference.
Alfred State College All-American basketball Thia Smith (Elmira Free) has decided to continue her collegiate career at CW Post after two stellar seasons as a Lady Pioneer. CW Post, located in Brookville, NY, is a campus of Long Island University and is a member of the East Coast Conference.
After visits to various campuses, Smith felt most at home at CW Post. "I was really happy with my visit to CW Post. The coaching staff was very nice and I was able to get a good feel for the campus and the basketball program. I saw many things that I like about Alfred State at Post and that helped me make my decision. The coaching staff really liked my personality and they expect me to step in and be a contributor right away with hard work."
Coach Gina Boyd is excited about the opportunities ahead for Smith. "Thia came from a background that wasn't really college bound. Everything that she has brought here and done on the court and in the classroom is a credit to her work ethic. It is a great sign that we have players coming into our program and working hard and moving on to the next level. She has done great things here and will continue to do great things at CW Post."
In 2007-08, Smith was a 2nd team All American after finishing the year averaging 17.5 points per game and 13.3 rebounds. Her 454 points is 7th all-time in a season for a Lady Pioneers while her 346 rebounds is 2nd most in a season. On the year, she recorded 20 double-doubles including eight consecutive double-doubles in close out the season.
Smith's 17.5 points per game ranked her 21st in NJCAA Division II while her 13.3 rebounds per game ranks her 2nd. For her career she finishes with 762 points (6th best all time) and 496 rebounds.
Smith was also named Region III Division II Player of the Year, 1st team All-Region, and 1st team All-WNYAC following the completion of the 2007-08 season.
CW Post led by head coach Sharrona Reaves finished the 2007-08 season 17-12 overall and 13-7 in conference play. The Lady Pioneers advanced to the East Conference semifinals. The ECC is a Division II conference which consists of Adelphi, Bridgeport, Concordia, Dowling, Mercy, Molloy, New Haven, NYIT, Queens, and St. Thomas Aquinas.