Former Penn State women’s midfielder Olivia Smith has been named the Women’s Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old joined London club Arsenal in a women’s soccer world-record transfer of 1 million pounds on a four-year deal.

Smith spent her freshman season at Penn State, notching one goal and an assist. She departed from the program after 2022 to sign her first professional contract with the North Toronto Nitros.

Smith entered Penn State with plenty of experience, including becoming Canada’s youngest senior international player, making her debut at 15 years old.

The Nittany Lion spent time in League1 Ontario before joining Sporting CP, where she won the Campeonato Nacional Feminino’s young player of the season. Smith transferred to Liverpool, where she scored eight goals in 22 games in the Women’s Super League, before signing with Arsenal.

About the Author

Ashley Connington

Ashley is a rising senior studying journalism from New Jersey and Onward State's current managing editor. Her life basically revolves around Chelsea and Premier League Football. You can email ashley@onwardstate.com to send her ways to meet Saquon or watch her obsess over Chelsea FC and TJ Malone on twitter @ashconnington.

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