From NYU Athletics
The Rotary Club of Salem, VA, has announced that New York University student-athlete Kaitlyn Read will be receiving the 2018 Jostens Trophy. Read, who recently completed her final season as a member of the NYU women's basketball team, was one of 10 finalists for the prestigious award, which is handed out to an outstanding NCAA Division III men's and women's basketball player who excels on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem to honor the most outstanding men's and women's NCAA 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 International motto of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded NCAA Division III student-athlete. This year's class marks the 21st year the awards have been presented.
"New York University is so proud of Kaitlyn Read," said Assistant Vice President of Students Affairs and Director of Athletics, Christopher Bledsoe. "Throughout her college years, she has battled through adversity and each time Kaitlyn has risen above the challenges to perform at the highest levels both academically and athletically. Kaitlyn is a credit to her family, to New York University and to the game of basketball. Thank you to the committee for selecting Kaitlyn Read and special thank you to Jostens for sponsoring this special award for the past two decades."
Read has concluded an outstanding career at NYU, where she leaves an indelible mark in the team's record books. The University Park, TX, native has completed her career #2 on NYU's all-time scoring list (1,839), #1 in assists (429) and #2 in steals (400). Playing as a graduate student during her final campaign in 2017-18, Read was named the University Athletic Association (UAA) Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. She led NYU in scoring (19.9 - 3rd-highest in NYU history), assists (5.1) and steals (3.7), while also averaging 5.5 rpg. Her 577 points and 148 assists also set one-season program records.
"I'm so excited to receive such an honor, being chosen among such an incredible group of student-athletes," Read said. "It wouldn't have been possible to achieve without the support from my family, teammates and coaches. I'm especially thankful for the NYU administration for considering me for the nomination process. It has been an amazing last season at NYU!"
Read completed her undergraduate work last May with a double-major in politics and Spanish, and is now working towards a master's degree in global affairs with a concentration in transnational security. She has been recognized on numerous occasions for her academic success, having earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors twice and UAA All-Academic honors four times.
Read has also made it a point to give back to those less fortunate in and around New York City over the past five years.
"Kaitlyn is so deserving of this award. She has excelled in the classroom, on the court and in the community," said Head Coach Lauren Hall-Gregory. "Her ability to consistently be at her best is a quality that will leave a lasting impression on our program. She has been a standout in everything she's done, and it's been like that since day one."
The Jostens Trophy presentation will take place on Thursday, March 16, prior to the NCAA Division III Men's National Championship in Salem, VA.