April 29, 2003
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – University of Notre Dame freshman forward Courtney LaVere (Ventura, Calif./Buena H.S.) has been named to the 2003 Freshman All-America Team by Women’s College Hoops.com, the website announced Tuesday. LaVere was a third-team selection and was one of five BIG EAST Conference players to be chosen for the squad. Connecticut’s Ann Strother and Barbara Turner, along with Miami’s Tamara James and Virginia Tech’s Carrie Mason also were accorded Freshman All-America status.
LaVere turned in an impressive freshman season at Notre Dame, finishing second on the team in scoring (12.4 points per game), rebounding (5.6 rebounds per game) and field goal percentage (.486), and ranking 19th and 20th in the BIG EAST in the first two categories. She also scored in double figures 21 times and had a team-high five 20-point games, including a season-high 23 points on two occasions. In addition, she posted five doubles-doubles, three of which came against ranked opponents. LaVere finished with 398 points this season, the fourth-highest total ever by an Irish freshman, and her 180 rebounds ranked sixth all-time among Notre Dame freshmen. For her efforts, she earned a spot on the BIG EAST All-Rookie Team and picked up conference rookie-of-the-week honors on March 3.
Notre Dame recently completed its 26th season of intercollegiate competition, posting a 21-11 record and reaching the NCAA Sweet Sixteen for the fifth time in the last seven years. The Irish, who were ranked 21st in the final ESPN/USA Today coaches’ poll, also logged their 10th consecutive 20-win season, making them one of just six teams in the country to have an active streak of that length. In addition, Notre Dame qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the 10th time in school history, and the eighth time in as many years. Along with three incoming freshmen, the Irish will have four starters and nine monogram winners returning next season.
— ND —