Melanie Auguste has been selected as one of 10 finalists for the prestigious Jostens Trophy, which is presented by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., to recognize the most outstanding men's and women's Division III basketball players of the year.
The award takes into account three vital parts – basketball ability, academic prowess and community service. The trophy models the Rotary motto of "Service above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded Division III student-athlete.
Auguste, who early this week was named a second-team Academic All-American, leads the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in scoring (20.2 ppg), assists (7.1) and minutes played (37.7), ranks second in steals (2.3) and is third in rebounding (8.8). She also ranks third nationally (NCAA Division III) in assists and is 12th in scoring.
The product of Cameron Park, Calif., has led the Tigers to a 16-8 record, the program’s most victories in a single season since the 1989-90 campaign, and a berth in the SCAC Tournament for the second year in a row.
Joining Auguste as finalists are: LeighAnn Burke (DeSales University), Melissa Gorski (Monmouth College), Amanda Hiltunen (Randolph-Macon College), Hillary Klimowicz (The College of New Jersey), Sarah Meisenberg (Franklin & Marshall College), Margo Muhlbauer (Buena Vista University), Megan Scheele (Edgewood College), Claire Sheehan (Illinois Wesleyan University) and Keli Ward (York College).
The 12th annual awards will be presented on Thursday, March 19 at the Salem Civic Center in conjunction with the NCAA Division III Men’s Championship.