Athletes of the Week - January 20-26

UPEI Athletics and Recreation announced the UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week for the week of January 20-26. UPEI Athletics and Recreation showcases these talented athletes to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports throughout the season. UPEI Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who: Anja Weisser, Women's Hockey; and Deontay Smith, Men's Basketball

What: UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of January 20-26

Why: Anja Weisser, a fourth-year business student from Kaufbeuren, Germany, led the women's hockey team to a win, and in a solid performance during an overtime loss over the weekend. The defensemen scored one goal in the team's 6-2 win over Dalhousie of Friday, and followed on Saturday with two goals in the overtime loss to Saint Mary's. The 5'8' Weisser is playing some of the best hockey of her university career, and will soon take a hiatus from the UPEI Panthers as she joins Team Germany at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

Deontay Smith, a second-year arts student from North Preston, Nova Scotia, continues to lead the men's basketball team on the offensive front. The 6'0' point guard played very strong in the Panthers 88-75 and 95-77 wins over UNB on the weekend, with Smith scoring 35 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, five assists, and four steals. On Friday night, Smith displayed great team character as shortly after being selected 'Player of the Game,' he presented the award to fellow teammate Lorenzo Parker who he believed played the best game.

Weisser and Smith will be recognized at this week's UPEI Athletes of the Week Celebration on Thursday, January 30 at 12:45 pm in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre's McMillan Hall. All are welcome.

Anja Weisser, Women's Hockey

For information:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca