The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), has announced the finalists for the 2008 WBCA/State Farm All-America Basketball Team for Division III of the NCAA. The 40 finalists, which includes Gustavus standout Jess Vadnais, are now in the running for selection to the 10-member WBCA/State Farm All-America Team. The teams are selected by WBCA member coaches in each of the eight WBCA geographical regions.
Vadnais, a senior guard from Hudson, Wisconsin, is a three-time All-MIAC selection and a 2007 Kodak/WBCA All-American selection. She led the league in scoring for the second consecutive season (19.1 ppg), and was third in the league in steals (61) and free-throw percentage (122-142; 85.9%) while leading the team with 80 steals and ranking second in assists (56).
Vadnais is one of ten finalists for the Josten’s Division III Player of the Year Award which is given to the player that best exemplifies the Division III philosophy of basketball skill, academics, and community service. She completed her career ranked in the top ten in school history in points (1st -1,788), three-pointers (1st – 210), free throws made (1st – 481), steals (1st – 223), field goals (3rd – 544), assists (4th – 306), and games played (tied-4th – 106).
Vadnais helped the Gusties compile a record of 18-10 overall and 16-6 in the MIAC. The team finished third in the MIAC regular season standings and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament where they lost to Simpson College 73-64 in the first round.
Complete list of finalists for WBCA/State Farm All-America Team