GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Sophomore Bella Thompson and freshman Colin Schmit have been named the 2023-2024 UP Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Month for March. Head strength and conditioning coach Lucky Lovan can nominate one athlete per sport to be a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American each year.

The University of Providence nominates two athletes per month to reward the student-athletes hard work and dedication to the weight room. This puts them in contention to be named a NSCA strength and conditioning All-American.

Thompson is from Kapahulu, Oahu. and is entering her second season with the Volleyball program at UP. Lovan stated, "Bella is an extraordinary talent with a mix of athleticism and strength. The way she's moves in the weight room with so much power and is able to transfer it over to volleyball leaves me speechless. Not only is she a great athlete but an exceptional teammate, being one of the leaders on the volleyball team. She never fails to leave a smile on my face with her warm personality or hard work ethic. She's the entire package in terms of who you want in a student-athlete. I'm so blessed to be part of her journey here at UP."

Schmit is from Great Falls, Mont. and is currently in his first season with the track and field team at UP. Head strength and conditioning coach Lucky Lovan stated, "It's been such a joy to watch Colin develop physically and mentally at such a rapid rate. It's a testament to his work ethic and coachability during lifts. He came to UP with no prior lifting experience and has made huge gains in all compound lifts. One of my favorite coaching highlights of all time was watching Colin power clean 225 pounds beating his old PR by 50 pounds. In all of my years of coaching, I've never seen someone make that huge of a jump in weight within a two-month span. His hard work will continue to help him excel in track and the weight room. I'm excited to watch him mature and grow during his time at UP."