Saturday, January 18, 2025

Sage Smeltz Shines as Schuylkill Chapter #25’s First Female Football Honoree

In a historic milestone for the Schuylkill Chapter No. 25 of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Sage Smeltz of Williams Valley High School has become the first female football Scholar Athlete in the chapter’s history. 

Smeltz’s football career is highlighted by her exceptional performance as a kicker. A three-year varsity starter and team captain for the Vikings, she shattered school records with her precision and consistency. She holds school records for single-game PATs (9), single-season PATs (68), and career PATs (134). Over the course of her career, she converted 134 out of 160 point-after-touchdown attempts. Her efforts earned her recognition as a Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association (SCFCA) Second-Team Small School Kicker. Her reliability also played a role in Williams Valley’s two district championship victories in 2023 and 2024.

Smeltz’s athleticism extends beyond the football field. In soccer, she was a dominant force as a goalkeeper, earning First Team All-County and Team MVP honors in both her junior and senior years. She led Schuylkill County in save percentage and set multiple school records. On the softball diamond, Smeltz contributed to two District 11 championships and earned First Team All-County and First Team All-State honors. Additionally, she displayed her versatility in basketball, where she received the Unsung Hero Award as a freshman and was named Team MVP as a sophomore.

Academically, Smeltz stands out with a GPA of 4.20, securing her position as the top-ranked student in her class of 67. Her rigorous academic portfolio includes Advanced Placement courses in U.S. History and English Literature, as well as dual-enrollment classes in subjects such as Education and Special Education. Her academic excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Distinguished Honor Roll, and memberships in the National Honor Society and the Business National Honor Society, where she serves as President. She also leads her peers as the President of the Student Council, FBLA, International Travel Club, Domestic Travel Club, and her Senior Class.

Smeltz’s dedication to community service is equally impressive. She volunteers extensively at her church as a bell choir member, greeter, usher, scripture reader, and vacation Bible school teacher. Her commitment to service includes participating in youth sports camps, organizing blood and food drives, and engaging in elementary school programs. Professionally, she has gained work experience at Sterman Masser Inc. and shares her knowledge as a pitching coach for young athletes. She also serves as a teaching intern at Williams Valley Elementary School.

Sage Smeltz plans to pursue higher education with a major in history and religious studies. 

She is the daughter of Sally and Greg Smeltz and resides in Tower City.