ARLINGTON, Texas - The legacy that Rebekah VanDijk leaves on UT Arlington continues to grow as the standout Lady Maverick was selected as one of two Sun Belt Conference nominations for the NCAA Woman of the Year award.
The NCAA Woman of the Year award honors graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership. Student-athletes are nominated only once in their career by their school. VanDijk is joined by South Alabama's Genesis Perrymond as the two finalists selected to represent the league.
"I am not one bit surprised Rebekah is one of the Sun Belt's nominees for NCAA Woman of the Year," UTA coach Krista Gerlich said. "This is such an outstanding honor for Rebekah and our program as the criteria isn't all about athletic performance. It actually has a lot to do with with Rebekah has been passionate about since she walked on our campus - academics and giving back. We are truly so thankful for the way that she has represented women's basketball and we are extremely proud for all she has done to receive this recognition."
VanDijk, a four-time Sun Belt All-Conference selection, finished as one of the all-time greats in UTA history. She is at the top of the all-time rebounding list with 1,117 points and was third in scoring with 1,676 - the first player in program history with more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
VanDijk, a native of Nazareth, Texas, is also entrenched in the program's efforts for community service. Helping the Mavericks win the SBC Community Service Initiative for three consecutive years as a member of the UTA SAAC Leadership Team, VanDijk has been active in giving back. She has accumulated countless hours in the community, serving as a part of the SAAC team as well as on her own with services that include visiting local hospitals, traveling to Africa and giving back in the Arlington community.
Having completed her playing career in March, she continues to be a part of the Lady Maverick program as a Student Coach.
All conference and independent/associate member nominees are forwarded to the Woman of the Year selection committee. The selection committee will choose the top 10 honorees in each division. From among those 30 candidates, the selection committee will determine the top three in each division. Finally, the members of the Committee on Women's Athletics will vote from among the top nine finalists to determine the 2018 NCAA Woman of the Year.
All school and conference honorees receive an NCAA certificate and will be recognized on ncaa.org. The top 10 honorees from Divisions I, II and III, including the nine overall finalists, will be honored, and the 2018 NCAA Woman of the Year winner announced, at a dinner Oct. 28 in Indianapolis.
