University of Delaware senior basketball standout Tyresa Smith is the Wilmington Trust Best of the Blue Hens Athlete of the Week for the period ending March 19.

Smith, a health and studies major from Dover, DE (Polytech High School), earns the award for the third time this season.

She led the No. 12 seed Blue Hen women's basketball team (26-6) into the NCAA Tournament where they fell to No. 5 seed and 23rd ranked Michigan State 69-58 in East Lansing, MI Sunday evening.

A first team All-Colonial Athletic Association selection, a two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year, and a Kodak Regional All-American, Smith posted a game-high 19 points for the Blue Hens, who were making their second NCAA Tournament appearance and their first since 2001. Smith, who reached double figures for the 17th straight game and for the 30th time this season, finishes the year with a UD single-season record 632 points.

She led the Blue Hens in scoring (19.8 points per game) and steals (82) and was second on the team in rebounding (7.5 per game).

Past Winners:
Jan. 30 - Asha Quant (Women's Indoor Track)
Feb. 4 - Kyle DeHaven (Women's Basketball)
Feb. 11 - Sam McMahon (Men's Basketball)
Feb. 18 - Maryann Walker (Women's Swimming)
Feb. 25 - Adam Zuder-Havens (Men's Lacrosse)
Mar. 2 - Cristine Marquez (Women's Indoor Track)
Mar. 9 - Debbie Sloan (Women's Lacrosse)