Glenbrook South star swimmer Smoliga competing on national stage

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Glenbrook South's Olivia Smoliga swims to first place in the 100 freestyle at the IHSA State Meet. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media

Updated: January 3, 2012 8:39AM

An argument can be made that Olivia Smoliga is the best swimmer in the state.

Now the Glenbrook South junior will get an opportunity to show she’s one of the tops in the country, when she swims at the Winter National Championships, at Georgia Tech today through Saturday.

“All the big dogs will be there,” said Glenbrook South coach Kelly Timson. “Because next year is an Olympic year, this could be a preview for the Olympic Trials.”

Next summer, Smoliga will compete in the Trials, in Omaha, Neb., for a berth in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

“I think she will amp it up to another level,” Timson said about this weekend’s races. “She’s someone who swims up to the competition.”

Smoliga is coming off another standout prep season with the Titans. She now owns four state championships and three state records. Timson believes her star could end up one of the best-ever in Illinois.

“I would argue that,” Timson said. “I can see her going back next year and winning two more titles.”

As a result, Smoliga is drawing interest from many major colleges. She won’t be able to receive official offers until July 1, 2012, but Timson said several Big Ten schools are among those in the chase.

“She’s gotten a lot of letters so far,” said Timson, who cited Northwestern and Michigan as two of the prominent programs showing interest.

For all Smoliga’s talent and success in the pool, she remains as approachable as ever. An individual star, Smoliga still puts her team first.

“She really is a leader,” Timson said. “Before each of the relays at State, she was the one getting all the girls in a huddle and giving the speech. I don’t know what she said, but it worked.”

Smoliga took time during the State Meet to help out freshman teammate Katie Wells, who experienced some anxiety during her first trip to the championships.

“It’s a rough meet, but Olivia was a big mentor to Katie,” Timson said. “She talked to her throughout the meet and tried to help her stay positive.”