[Women's Basketball] Women's Basketball Earns Academic Honor

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced on Tuesday the 2017-18 Academic Team Top 25 Honor Roll. The Doane University Women's Basketball squad was among the NAIA teams recognized this year.

The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA and two-year GPAs inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The 2017-18 season is the 23nd in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls.

"The WBCA is pleased to recognize those women's basketball programs that have committed themselves to excellence on the court and in the classroom," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew.  "The 119 teams we honor this year strive to achieve all-around success and we commend their efforts. Congratulations!"

The Doane women tied for 5th on this year's honor roll. The Tigers were one of three GPAC teams recognized on the list as Mount Marty pulled in the top spot with a 3.683 grade point average. Doane posted a 3.663 gpa to tie Saint Xavier (Ill.) and Northwestern rounded out the GPAC squads in the Top 25 with a 7th place finish and 3.661 gpa.

The Tigers had 16 players on the varsity squad who counted towards the team grade point average.

Cassie Vasa – Valparaiso, Neb. (Raymond Central HS)
Emma Areman – Lincoln, Neb. (Norris HS)
Hannah Core – Seward, Neb. (Seward HS)
Julia Reed – Syracuse, Neb. (Syracuse HS)
Cortney Arkfeld – Wynot, Neb. (Wynot HS)
Bailey Zarybnicky – Beatrice, Neb. (Beatrice HS)
Marie Matthews – Omaha, Neb. (Westside HS)
McKenna Dodd – Lincoln, Neb. (Southwest HS)
Sidney Blackburn – Waterville, Kan. (Highland CC)
Alea Shaner – Cambridge, Neb. (Cambridge HS)
Emma Campbell – Omaha, Neb. (Millard West HS)
McKenzie Beach – Lincoln, Neb. (Southeast HS)
Lauren Schmidt – Deshler, Neb. (Deshler HS)
Haylee Heits – Rulo, Neb. (Falls City Sacred Heart HS)
Nicole White – Plainview, Neb. (Plainview HS)
Mady Vogel  - Gothenburg, Neb. (Gothenburg HS)