Alanna Smith has capped off what was already an impressive WNBA season, being named co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Alongside Las Vegas star A'ja Wilson, Smith was awarded the league's top defensive honour, after a dominant display during the 2025 season for the Minnesota Lynx.
By winning the award, Smith becomes the first Australian since Lauren Jackson to be named DPOY, and just the third Lynx player, joining Napheesa Collier and Sylvia Fowles.
Alanna Smith named WNBA co-Defensive Player of the Year
Alanna Smith and A'ja Wilson couldn't be split by the WNBA award voters, with the two impressive forwards named co-Defensive Players of the Year.
"I'm so proud of myself [and] I'm proud of A'ja for being able to continue to do what she's been doing."
— espnW (@espnW) September 18, 2025
Alanna Smith shares how it felt to be named Co-Defensive Player of the Year alongside A’ja Wilson 👏 pic.twitter.com/sPMuCSHAZy
For Smith, it was the biggest achievement yet in her WNBA career, and one she says is still yet to set in.
"Honestly, I couldn’t believe it," Smith told ESPN.
"It was kind of surreal. It’s been a really long year and we’ve had more games than we did last year so it’s felt so long and then to finally come to this point in the season when awards are given out and to be recognised, I was in shock.
"I’ve had a crazy journey to get to this point. I just couldn’t believe it.
"I'm so proud of myself [and] I'm proud of A'ja for being able to continue to do what she's been doing."
After an impressive regular season, Smith and the Lynx closed out their first round playoff opponents Golden State in emphatic fashion, and will now prepare for a semi-finals matchup against either Phoenix or New York.