Sept. 14, 2004
INDIANAPOLIS - Former Kansas State women's basketball standout Nicole Ohlde (Clay Center, Kan.) has been selected as the NCAA's Woman of the Year for the state of Kansas as released by the NCAA.
This prestigious award honors outstanding female student-athletes who have excelled in academics, athletics and community leadership, and have completed their collegiate athletics eligibility. As a state winner, Ohlde is one of 52 finalists representing the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
A two-time consensus first team All-American (WBCA/Kodak, Associated Press, USBWA) and two-time Big 12 Conference Player of the Year, Ohlde led Kansas State to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and one Big 12 regular season championship during her illustrious four-year career. She is the school's all-time leading scorer (2,241) and rebounder (995) as well as the Big 12's all-time leading scorer.
One of the most decorated players ever in school history, Ohlde was named a second team CoSIDA Academic All-American in 2004 and was a three-time Academic All-Big 12 first team selection. While a student-athlete at K-State, the social science major was involved in many community service projects including the Manhattan Library Reading Program, Red Cross Blood Drive and Lincoln Elementary School Reading Program.
Ohlde was drafted sixth overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2004 WNBA Draft, tabbed as one of the deepest and talented rookie classes in league history. With three games remaining in the regular season, Ohlde ranks third among WNBA rookies in scoring (11.2 ppg) and first in rebounding (5.7 rpg). As a professional athlete, she has continued her community outreach with the WNBA's Read To Achieve program and Habitat for Humanity in Minneapolis.
Colleges and universities nominated 276 student-athletes for this year's NCAA Woman of the Year Award. A committee comprised of representatives from member schools selected the state winners. Of the 52 finalists, 13 competed on national championship teams and nearly 45 finalists were selected as All-Americans in their respective sport.
A national winner, the NCAA Woman of the Year, will be selected from among 10 finalists by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics. The top 10 finalists will be announced on Wednesday, Sept. 15.
The national winner will be announced at the 2004 NCAA Woman of the Year dinner on Sunday, Oct. 31, at the Indianapolis Westin. This is the 14th year that the award, one of the top honors the NCAA bestows, will be given.