Christendom student-athlete Catherine Thomas was named Most Valuable Player for the New South All-Conference (NSAC) women’s basketball team, as announced by the conference on Monday, February 20.
Previously named a USCAA 1st Team All-American and a multiple time Player of the Week, this is Thomas’ first MVP win and the first from the NSAC in its inaugural season. This season, Thomas has been a force to be reckoned with on the court, leading the USCAA DII in total points scored and averaging 27.7 points and 14.8 rebounds in all games this season, ranking second in both categories. She has also recorded a double-double in every game this season, including 2 triple-doubles.
In addition to the MVP honors, Thomas was also named to the NSAC First Team and to the NSAC All-Academic team for her strong GPA over the course of the season — a true testament to her commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom.
Christendom head coach Mary Minick was also named the Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year after guiding the team to a 16-4 overall record and a top-ten ranking in USCAA Division 2. As a team, Christendom is 2nd in the nation in rebounding, 2nd in field goal defense, 3rd in blocks, 4th in offensive efficiency, and 4th in free throw percentage.
Other Christendom student-athletes earned honors from the NSAC as well, with Miranda Keller being named to the All-NSAC First Team, Kate Walz being named to the All-NSAC Second Team, and Regina Bonvissuto being named an Honorable Mention.
Nine total women’s basketball team players were named to the NSAC All-Academic Team for achieving a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA over the course of the season — the most of any team in the conference. Colleen Kosten, Kate Walz, Bridget McCaughey, Liliana Speier, Regina Cousino, Catherine Thomas, Regina Bonvissuto, Miranda Keller, and Amelia Howell collectively achieved an average cumulative GPA of 3.79 on the season, making the team a powerhouse both on and off the court.
The NSAC also announced men’s basketball honors on February 20, with John Paul Vander Woude being named to the All-NSAC First Team and Andrew Heisler, John Kennedy, and Bobby Vander Woude all being named as Honorable Mentions as well. Thirteen members of the basketball team were also named to the All-Academic Team, with David Echaniz, Peter Ethridge, Josh Pabst, Dominic Smith, Joe Dotson, Bobby Vander Woude, Michael Townsend, Joe Curran, Joe Castellan, Andrew Heisler, John Kennedy, John Paul Vander Woude, and Michael Evich collectively achieving an average cumulative GPA of 3.47.