Three Seattle University women's basketball players, as well as head coach Joan Bonvicini, have received postseason honors. Kacie Sowell (Ventura, Calif.) and Talisa Rhea (Juneau, Alaska) have been named First-Team Independent All-Conference, Ashley Ward (Irvine, Calif.) was named to the Second-Team, and Bonvicini was named Coach of the Year. Sowell was also named Player of the Year, as well as being named to the Fourth-Team All-Mid Major.
"I am so proud of our team and how everyone has bought into my vision of 'building champions' on and off the court," said Bonvicini. "Our players have spent the extra time watching film and getting in the extra shots to give them that extra edge."
Sowell is currently tied with fellow honoree Rhea for the team lead in points per game, a battle that has been ongoing throughout the season. She is currently scoring 13.9 ppg and also leads the team with 9.6 rpg and 16 blocks. She has recorded 14 double-doubles this season and has been honored as the College Sports Madness Independent Women's Basketball Player of the Week six times throughout the year. Sowell also represents the Redhawks on the All-Mid Major team, named to the Fourth-Team.
"Kacie has developed into a premier post player because of her hard work and self confidence. She is a total team player," said Bonvicini.
Rhea joined the team this season, after transferring from Oregon State, and has proven to be a great asset to the team in a short time. She, with Sowell, shares a piece of the team lead in points per game, and also leads the team with 147 total assists. She has also been recognized as College Sports Madness Independent Player of the Week three different times.
"Talisa has grown from being an outstanding shooter to being a great player," Bonvicini said. "Her assists, rebounding, and scoring have propelled her and our team to success."
Ward has become a strong presence on the team as a sophomore, starting all 28 games for the Redhawks this year, along with the other two honorees. She currently ranks 24th in Division I free-throw percentage, hitting 86.3 percent of her free throws.
"Ashley is special for a number of reasons," said Bonvicini. "She plays similar to a good European player. She can shoot the jumper, take it to the basket, or get to the free throw. She is very unassuming, but is a big time competitor and winner."
Bonvicini has led the program to an 18-10 record in 2011-12 with one regular season game left, more than doubling their win total from last season. Under her leadership, the Redhawks will also likely go to their first Division I postseason tournament in school history. Before coming to Seattle U, she became just the 18th coach in NCAA Division I women's basketball history to reach the 600-win mark, and she will undoubtedly continue to propel the Redhawks to victory.
Bonvicini said, "I'm proud of all our players and privileged to be the Seattle U head coach."
The Redhawks have one regular season game remaining on Saturday, Mar. 10 at CSU Bakersfield. They will then announce their postseason destiny at the team banquet on Monday, Mar. 12 at the Space Needle. Fans can register to attend the banquet by clicking here.