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CHARLOTTESVILLE Virginia guard Monica Wright was named one of 12 finalists in contention for The State Farm Wade Trophy, the State Farm Wade Trophy Committee along with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) announced.
Wright (Woodbridge, Va.) led the conference and ranks 13th in the nation in scoring at 20.5 points per game and is also a finalist for the Wooden Award and Naismith Trophy. The 5-11 junior ranks among the ACC’s top-20 leaders in rebounding, assists and free throw percentage and earned first team all-conference honors.
“I look forward to announcing the 12 finalists for the State Farm Wade Trophy each year as it honors the best-of-the best, and this year is no exception,” said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. “This group of young women has a unique blend of talent on the court and despite their limited time, they also serve as positive role models to those in their communities. We want to applaud them for all they do.”
The candidates were selected by a vote of committee members comprised of leading basketball coaches, journalists and basketball administrators. Members of the committee will select the winner of The State Farm Wade Trophy from the 10-member Division I State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team and will be announced at the State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team Press Conference and The State Farm Wade Trophy Announcement during the WBCA National Convention on Saturday, April 4.
“State Farm is extremely proud to recognize and congratulate these 12 outstanding athletes as finalists for the 2009 State Farm Wade Trophy”, said Pam El, Marketing Vice President for State Farm. “Their dedication and commitment epitomize the true meaning of student-athlete and they are all very deserving of this great honor.”
The State Farm Wade Trophy Finalists:
Player, Year, Position, School
Jayne Appel, Jr., C, Stanford
DeWanna Bonner, Sr., G, Auburn
Tina Charles, Jr., C, Connecticut
Marissa Coleman, Sr., G, Maryland
Jantel Lavender, So., C, Ohio State
Angel McCoughtry, Sr., F, Louisville
Renee Montgomery, Sr., G, Connecticut
Maya Moore, So., F, Connecticut
Courtney Paris, Sr., C, Oklahoma
Kristi Toliver, Sr., G, Maryland
Ashley Walker, Sr., F, California
Monica Wright, Jr., G, Virginia