“This is an outstanding recognition for Kacie,” said head coach Joan Bonvicini. “When you receive this kind of honor, to even be mentioned, it’s not just about what you do on the court. Obviously that’s a big piece, but it’s what you are as a student and as a representative for the basketball program, for our athletic department, and for the university. Kacie is an embodiment of the true values of our Seattle U mission, becoming the whole person, and that’s what she is. I’m proud to be her coach and we’re very excited and pleased for this honor.”
From the list of 30 candidates, a committee comprised of national media will select 10 finalists midway through the season. Those who advance as a finalist will be placed on an official ballot open for nationwide voting. Fan votes will be added to votes from coaches and media to determine the award recipient. The 2013-14 Senior CLASS Award® recipient will be announced at the NCAA Women’s Final Four (April 6-8, 2014) in Nashville, Tenn.
Sowell, the reigning Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year looks to build on last year’s success as she was also named WAC Preseason Player of the Year for 2013-14. Sowell finished 2013-13 ranked seventh in the nation in NCAA DI field-goal percentage (55.6 percent) and tied for 20th in double-doubles (17).
The WAC is well-represented as Idaho’s Alyssa Charlston and Kansas City’s Eilise O’Connor were also named to the Top 30 candidate list.
The complete list of candidates is below. For more information on the candidates and the award, visit www.seniorCLASSaward.com.
2013-14 Women's Basketball Senior CLASS Award® Candidates
Gennifer Brandon, California
Heather Butler, Tennessee-Martin
Alyssa Charlston, Idaho
Hallie Christofferson, Iowa State
Jerica Coley, Florida International
Allyson DiMagno, Cornell
Alexis Dobbs, American
Stefanie Dolson, Connecticut
Jamierra Faulkner, Southern Mississippi
Ataira Franklin, Virginia
Chelsea Gray, Duke
Sarah Hansen, Florida Gulf Coast
Cassie Harberts, Southern California
Jordan Hooper, Nebraska
Natasha Howard, Florida State
Amanda Hyde, IPFW
Maggie Lucas, Penn State
Dequesha McClanahan, Winthrop
Sarah Nelson, Creighton
Eilise O’Connor, Kansas City
Chiney Ogwumike, Stanford
Haley Peters, Duke
Theresa Plaisance, LSU
Michelle Plouffe, Utah
Odyssey Sims, Baylor
Alex Smith, Holy Cross
Kacie Sowell, Seattle U
DeNesha Stallworth, Kentucky
Rachel Tecca, Akron
Alli Wiliams, Saint Francis