In the NCAA, Smelker played with the RPI Engineers women's ice hockey team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

[2] Leading the team in scoring as a sophomore, she was nominated for ECAC Hockey's Best Defensive Forward Award in the aftermath of her senior season.

[4] At the end of her rookie season in the CWHL, she ranked 18th overall in league scoring, tied with Natalie Spooner and Laura Fortino.

In 2015, Smelker signed as a free agent with the Boston Pride in the National Women's Hockey League, playing on a line with Hilary Knight and Brianna Decker.

[8][9] In 2016, it was reported that Smelker signed a $14,000 one-year contract to continue with the Boston Pride for the 2016/17 NWHL season.