Big Ten Women's Basketball Player Of The Year
The Big Ten Conference is known for its competitive college sports teams, and women's basketball is no exception. Each year, the conference recognizes outstanding athletes with various awards, including the Big Ten Women's Basketball Player of the Year. This award is given to the best female basketball player in the league, based on her performance throughout the season.
History of the Award
The Big Ten Women's Basketball Player of the Year award has been around since the 1985-1986 season. Its first recipient was Denise Jackson of Northwestern University. Over the years, many talented players have won the award, including Lisa Leslie, Katie Smith, and Candace Parker. In recent years, Iowa's Megan Gustafson and Maryland's Kaila Charles have been among the winners.
Selection Process
The Big Ten Women's Basketball Player of the Year is selected through a vote by head coaches and media members who cover the conference. Each voter selects their top three candidates, and the player with the most votes is declared the winner. In addition to the Player of the Year award, the conference also recognizes the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Sixth Player of the Year.
Impact of the Award
Winning the Big Ten Women's Basketball Player of the Year award is a significant achievement for any athlete. It not only recognizes their talent and hard work, but it also brings attention to the player, their team, and the conference as a whole. Many former winners have gone on to have successful careers in the WNBA and overseas professional leagues. For college seniors, winning the award is often a highlight of their final season.
2021 Winner
The most recent recipient of the Big Ten Women's Basketball Player of the Year award is Naz Hillmon of the University of Michigan. The junior forward led the conference in scoring and rebounding, averaging 24.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. Hillmon was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team and the All-Defensive Team. She is the first player from Michigan to win the award since its inception.
Conclusion
The Big Ten Women's Basketball Player of the Year award is a prestigious honor for any athlete in the conference. It recognizes their talent and hard work, brings attention to their team and the conference, and often leads to future success in professional leagues. Naz Hillmon, the 2021 winner, joins a long list of talented players who have been recognized for their outstanding performances on the court.