The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) recently unveiled its highly anticipated postseason All-CCIW Teams in women’s basketball, highlighting a stellar lineup of talented athletes and esteemed coaches. Among the exceptional individuals recognized for their remarkable achievements were Elyce Knudsen, who made history as the Lori Kerans CCIW Most Outstanding Student-Athlete, Jocelyn Trotter, the CCIW First-Year Student-Athlete of the Year, and Lindsay Schultz, distinguished as the Beth Baker CCIW Coach of the Year.
Knudsen, a senior from Millikin, was commended for her outstanding performance throughout the season, averaging an impressive 26.1 points per game and solidifying her status as the first player in league history to receive the prestigious Most Outstanding Student-Athlete award three times. Her exceptional statistics, including shooting 51.8 percent from the floor, 38.3 percent from 3-point range, and 86.1 percent at the free-throw line, further validate her well-deserved recognition. Additionally, Knudsen demonstrated versatility by ranking among the CCIW’s top five in assists, steals, and blocked shots per game. Her remarkable contributions undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the league and the sport of women’s basketball.
Trotter, a freshman at North Central, emerged as a standout player and was rightly honored with the First-Year Student-Athlete of the Year award. Her stellar performance on both ends of the court, including impressive rebounding and shot-blocking capabilities, underscores her significant impact on the team and the league as a whole. Meanwhile, Schultz, the head coach of Carroll, received well-earned recognition as the Coach of the Year for her exceptional leadership in guiding her team to a conference title, marking a historic achievement for Carroll University.
In addition to these distinguished honorees, several other exceptional players were named to the All-CCIW First and Second Teams, further highlighting the depth of talent and skill within the conference. Notable names like Natalie Gricius, Olivia Rangel, and Lauren Huber contributed significantly to their respective teams’ successes, further underscoring the outstanding caliber of players in the CCIW.
This year’s All-CCIW Teams showcase the remarkable talent and exceptional achievements of women’s basketball players and coaches within the conference. The outstanding performances, leadership, and sportsmanship demonstrated by the honorees have undoubtedly raised the bar for excellence in collegiate basketball. As the season comes to a close, the achievements and contributions of these remarkable individuals will undoubtedly be celebrated and remembered as a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport.
The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) stands as a beacon of excellence and sportsmanship, fostering the development of student-athletes and promoting the values of integrity, respect, and commitment. Through the unwavering dedication of its member institutions and the outstanding accomplishments of its athletes and coaches, the CCIW continues to elevate the standard of collegiate athletics and inspire future generations of athletes. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s All-CCIW Teams, we look forward to witnessing the continued success and impact of women’s basketball in the CCIW for years to come.