HICKORY, N.C. — For the third time in program history, the Catawba Valley women's basketball team had one its players selected as an All-American.
Red Hawks sophomore guard Shaniya Lester was named by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) on Wednesday as one of 30 athletes to receive All-American status in the Division II ranks.
Lester was selected as one of 10 athletes as All-American honorable mention.
Lester joins Kadesha Gibbs (2013-14, first team) and Anika Jones (2012-13, first team) as the only women's basketball All-Americans in Catawba Valley program history.
"It's a great honor to be recognized as a All-American," Lester said. "Thank you to my teammates and coaches. Without them this wouldn't have been possible. Everything I do is for my mother and my deceased father and my siblings."
The 5-foot-6 guard shattered the Catawba Valley record books this past season, becoming the first-ever women's or men's basketball player at the school to reach 1,000 points in scoring. She finished her career with 1,065 points.
Lester also set career records for games played (61), 2-point field goals made (361), total field goals made (422), field goals attempted (921) and points per game (17.5).
During her sophomore season, Lester played in 32 games, scoring 641 points and averaging 20.0 per game — all CVCC single-season records.
She also set season records for total field goals made (208), field goals attempted (540) and had the fourth-most steals in a season (80).
"Shaniya Lester is a true student-athlete who has worked hard in the classroom as well as on the court," said Catawba Valley head women's basketball coach Tisha England. "I am proud of her, and honored that she trust me to be her coach. She has set the bar for many to follow in every area. I wish Shaniya much success in her endeavors. She will truly be missed, but will always be dear to my heart and forever a Lady Red Hawk."
Lester signed Nov. 16, 2017 to continue her academic and athletic career at UNC Pembroke — becoming the 13th Red Hawk to sign with a four-year school during England's tenure.
NJCAA RELEASE: http://www.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/2017-18/div2/all-americans/index