This release courtesy of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association

ATLANTA – The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced that Katie Cezat from Hillsdale College has been named the State Farm/WBCA National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Player of the Year. The WBCA presents this award annually to the top players in each of the following WBCA collegiate divisions (NCAA Divisions II, III, NAIA and JC/CC) and high school.

“It is with great honor that I recognize Katie Cezat as the State Farm/WBCA NCAA Division II Player of the Year,” said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. “Katie has distanced herself from the field in Division II and emerged as the best player. We are thrilled to honor her success this season.”

Cezat, a 6-foot senior, led NCAA Division II in rebounds (521), rebounding average (16.8 rpg), blocks (100), blocking average (3.2 bpg) and field goals made (333), while she ranked second in points (908), scoring average (29.3) and free throws made (237) this season. She leads the GLIAC and her Hillsdale team in all above categories.

The Plymouth, Mich., native has grabbed 521 rebounds this season, which is the second-most ever in Division II history. In addition, her 908 points this season is tied for the fourth-most ever in a season on the DII record books. In 2008-09, she set the DII record for most double-doubles (28), and is second in the books with 18 consecutive double-double’s. Her 29.8 points a game and 16.8 rebounds per contest are both the seventh-highest averages in a season in DII history.

In GLIAC play, she set single-season records for points (656), rebounds (393), field goals made (235), free throws made (181), scoring average (29.8), rebounding average (17.9) and blocked shots (82). For her efforts, she recently earned GLIAC Player of the Year honors. Her record-breaking season extended in the GLIAC tournament as she shattered the books for points in a series (77), field goals made in a series (30), free throws made in a series (29), rebounds (44) and defensive rebounds (34). She was awarded with the GLIAC Tournament MVP.

Cezat re-wrote the record books at Hillsdale this season, as she notched her high’s in 11 categories. She also holds the single-game school records in six categories. Cezat is the only player in the nation with more than 100 blocks and 100 assists this season.

Hillsdale concluded the season with a 27-4 record that included a GLIAC title and is currently ranked No. 3 in the USA Today ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.

“Katie’s remarkable achievements both on and off the court make her truly deserving of this prestigious award,” said Pam El, Marketing Vice President for State Farm. “State Farm is extremely proud and honored to recognize this tremendous student-athlete and we wish her the best in all her future endeavors.”

The State Farm/WBCA Player of the Year Award is selected by the nine-member WBCA Player of the Year Committee, which consists of one WBCA-member coach from each of the eight WBCA Division II Regions and the committee chair.

Cezat will be formally presented her award at the WBCA Awards Luncheon presented by State Farm and Jostens on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at Noon (CT) in the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront Grand Ballroom. The luncheon is part of the WBCA National Convention, held in conjunction with the NCAA® Women's Final Four® in St. Louis, Mo.

About State Farm
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About the WBCA
Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women’s basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game as a sport for women and girls. For additional information about the WBCA, please visit wbca.org.