From Washington University Athletics
Senior forward Melissa Gilkey became the sixth individual in Washington University in St. Louis women's basketball history to be named to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division III Coaches' All-America Team, as announced Thursday night by the WBCA.
After being named to the WBCA All-America honorable mention each of the last two years, Gilkey was one of 10 players selected to the 2015 All-America Team. She joins Karen Hermann (1990-91), Alia Fischer (1997-98, 98-99, 99-00), Tasha Rodgers (1999-00, 2000-01), Kelly Manning (2004-05, 05-06) and Kathryn Berger (2010-11) as the only individuals in WashU women's basketball history to earn the honor.
"Melissa is one of the most competitive players I have ever coached," said WashU head women's basketball coach Nancy Fahey. "Her focus and intensity is unparalleled, but what impressed me most was her relentless desire to get better every time she stepped on the court. I can't think of a player who is more deserving of All-America recognition."
A four-time All-University Athletic Association (UAA) honoree and two-time UAA Player of the Year, Gilkey was named to the D3hoops.com All-Central Region First Team for the third year in a row earlier this week. She finished the season ranked in the top-10 on WashU's all-time single-season leaderboards with 534 points (fifth), 45 blocked shots (seventh), 249 rebounds (eighth), and a .826 free-throw percentage (10th). Gilkey led the Bears in scoring (19.1 ppg), rebounding (8.9 rpg), blocked shots (45), field-goal percentage (.478) and free-throw percentage (.826).
Gilkey, who started all 110 games in her career, scored in double figures 92 times, including 25 games this season. She recorded 11 of her 30 career double-doubles this season. Gilkey also topped the 20-point mark in 28 career games, including 13 as a senior. She scored 30 or more points in three career games, including a career-high 34 in an 88-35 win over Fontbonne University Dec. 18. The two-time McWilliams Classic Most Valuable Player, Gilkey was also named to the all-tournament team at this year's Wartburg Holiday Tournament, and was one of 10 finalists for the 2015 Jostens Trophy.
One of 13 players in school history to surpass 1,000 career points, Gilkey finished her career second on WashU's all-time scoring list with 1,707 points. She also ranks third in career rebounds (876), fourth in blocked shots (144) and sixth in free-throw percentage (.785).
WashU finished its season with a 25-3 overall record. The Bears earned a share of the program's 21st UAA Championship, and advanced to the NCAA Sectional Semifinal for the 16th time in school history, before falling at No. 1 Thomas More College.