Anna Smrek
| Anna Smrek | |||||||||||
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| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born | October 11, 2003 Welland, Ontario, Canada | ||||||||||
| Height | 205 cm (6 ft 9 in) | ||||||||||
| College / University | Wisconsin | ||||||||||
| Volleyball information | |||||||||||
| Position | Opposite | ||||||||||
| Current club | Eczacıbaşı Dynavit | ||||||||||
| Number | 11 | ||||||||||
| Career | |||||||||||
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| National team | |||||||||||
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Anna Smrek (born October 11, 2003) is a Canadian professional volleyball player for Eczacıbaşı Dynavit in the Turkish Sultanlar Ligi.
Early life
Smrek is a native of Welland, Ontario and attended Notre Dame College School. She played volleyball for the Canadian Youth National team from 2018 to 2020.[1]
College career
Smrek was heavily recruited in high school and committed to the Wisconsin Badgers while in the 10th grade.[2] She joined the team in 2020. In 2021, she was a pivotal member of the team which won the national championship and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.[3][4] In 2023, she was named an AVCA Second-Team All-American.[5]
International career
Club
Following her time at Wisconsin, Smrek was drafted by the Orlando Valkyries of the Pro Volleyball Federation. However, Smrek decided to pursue overseas opportunities and signed with Vero Volley Milano in Italy in January 2025.[6] She then signed with the Turkish club Aras Kargo Spor Kulübü in August 2025.[7] In December 2025, she signed with the prominent Turkish club, Eczacıbaşı Dynavit.[8]
National team
Smrek represented Canada in the 2025 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League.[9][10]
Personal life
Her father, Mike Smrek, is a former NBA player who won two championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.[11]
References
- ^ Radcliffe, J. R. "Here's what to know about Wisconsin volleyball star Anna Smrek, a Final Four MVP. Her father, Mike, played in NBA". Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ Puchalski, Bernie (2020-12-18). "Smrek joining Wisconsin Badgers in January". BP Sports Niagara. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ Journal, DENNIS PUNZEL For the State (2021-09-18). "Anna Smrek makes most of her first start as Badgers volleyball team rolls". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ Volleyball, Ontario (2021-12-20). "Anna Smrek Scores NCAA National Title and Honours with Wisconsin Badgers". Ontario Volleyball Association. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ "Anna Smrek | Volleyball". Wisconsin Badgers. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ "Anna Smrek Signs With Same International Team As 1 Former Wisconsin Badgers Teammate". 2025-01-03. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ "A transfer that will shake up the Sultanlar League! Anna Smrek has been announced". Haberler.com. 2025-05-08. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ Mete, Aziz (2025-12-19). "Eczacıbaşı Dynavit'te Nicoletti'nin yerini Smrek aldı". Voleybolunsesi (in Turkish). Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ^ "Former Wisconsin Badgers stars competing this week in Volleyball Nations League international competition". Wisconsin Badgers On SI. 2025-06-03. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ^ "Canadian women's volleyball team eliminated by U.S. in Round of 16 at world championships". CBC. September 1, 2025.
- ^ "Badgers rally to win first women's volleyball title". ESPN.com. 2021-12-19. Retrieved 2025-09-05.