EDINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American women's basketball team announced its 2014-15 team awards on Tuesday.
The honors include:
An All-WAC First Team selection, Goff ranked third in the WAC in scoring (14.9 points per game), sixth in steals per game (1.7), sixth in free throw shooting (.752), ninth in blocks per game (0.6), 11
th in assists per game (2.3) and 15
th in three-pointers per game (1.4). Goff had one of the best offensive seasons in program history, reaching the top 10 of six different single-season program record lists, including points (fifth, 491), field goals made (seventh, 173), field goals attempted (second, 494), free throws made (sixth, 100), free throws attempted (ninth, 133) and minutes played (fourth, 1,038). She ranked 188
th in the NCAA in scoring, 197
th in free throw shooting and 235
th in steals per game.
"Not a bad year, but we are just scratching the surface on Shawnte' as we will look for her to be a dominating presence on the defensive end over the next two years," Broncs head coach
Larry Tidwell said. "When that happens, I think that she can average 20 points per game."
A member of the All-WAC Defensive Team, Walker was the Broncs' best on-ball defender, picking up 32 steals and three blocks in 34 games (26 starts). She led defensive unit that ranked ninth in the NCAA in turnover margin (+6.2) and 64
th in steals per game (9.4).
"Tonisha brought it every game and her consistent pressure on the opponent's point guard led to many steals," Tidwell said. "Tonisha will be hard to be replace as she was a difference maker."
An All-WAC Second Team selection, Bush was second in the WAC in blocks per game (1.3), fifth in offensive rebounding (3.0), ninth in rebounding (6.6), 12
th in defensive rebounding (3.6), 12
th in shooting (.402), and 13
th in scoring (10.2). She also ranked 151
st in the NCAA in blocks per game. Bush finished the season with 45 blocks, the fourth-highest total in program history, and 224 rebounds, the fifth highest total. For her career, Bush had 85 blocks, the fourth-highest total in program history, and 454 rebounds, the seventh highest total. Both totals are program records for a player who played two seasons or less with the team.
"Bush was the power in the paint for the green and white and her presence on the boards will be missed, as will her ability to score on the block," Tidwell said. "Brittany has left a legacy to remember, as she played a major role in turning our program into one of respect."
A member of the WAC All-Newcomer Team, Kjartansdóttir ranked 14
th in the WAC in offensive rebounding (1.9), 20
th in total rebounding (4.8). Overall, she was fourth on the Broncs in scoring at 6.2 points per game. She also had eight blocks and 13 steals in 34 games (16 starts). Kjartansdóttir reached double-figures in scoring eight times and led the Broncs in rebounding eight times. She will compete for the Icelandic National Team this summer.
"Hildur played at a very high level for a freshman, and the sky is the limit on her future over the next three years," Tidwell said.
Nolen tripled her scoring and assisting while doubling her rebounding and stealing from her junior year to her senior year, averaging 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game while taking over the starting point guard duties. She led the WAC and ranked 37
th in the NCAA in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.08), ranked fourth in the WAC and 134
th in the nation in assists per game, and fifth in the WAC and 231
st in the nation steals per game. Nolen finished the season with 131 total assists, the third highest total in program history. She played 1,027 minutes, the fifth highest total in program history. She finished her career with 188 assists, the 10
th highest total in program history.
"Nolen was outstanding and loved by her teammates." Tidwell said. "She embraced everything that we wanted to get done on the court and in the community. T.O. was a great ambassador of our program as she constantly volunteered to provide service above self. The number 14 jersey will be hard to fill with her departure."
Wright provided instant offense off the bench, averaging 5.3 points per game, including 7.1 in Western Athletic Conference play, as the skilled senior was arguably to be the best sixth player in the entire conference. Additionally, Wright constantly worked with younger players to help get them to another level in conference play.
"Zaye rescued us in a lot of games as she could play the any position and do it with authority. Her court awareness was excellent," Tidwell said. "She is going to make a great coach, as her complete understanding of the game and running a program is at a very high level."
The Fighting Heart Award recognizes a student-athlete for bringing a competitive attitude and energy to practice every day.
"Roc plays with passion and emotion, and it shows in practice and in games," Tidwell said. "Her ability to play defense on the quickest guard or the biggest post player is a huge asset in a man-to man switching defense and our defensive success was a result of that ability."
Van Tilburg entered her freshman season already with enough hours to earn junior standing in the classroom, and she led the team in grade point average during both semesters. She is on track to complete her bachelor's degree at the end of her second season.
"Laura always has a great attitude and is a tremendous student," Tidwell said. "She takes pride in her studies and truly values academics. She is a very hard working and it will definitely pay off for her on the floor and in the classroom."
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