SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced the 10 candidates for the 2019 Katrina McClain Award on Thursday. Notre Dame senior forward Jessica Shepard was among those named.
This season, Shepard has arguably been Notre Dame’s most consistent performer, nearly averaging a double-double with 15.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. In addition, Shepard is shooting a prolific 60.4 percent from the field, which ranks second in the ACC and 17th in the nation.
Shepard has notched nine double-doubles on the year, and more impressively, three in which she netted 15+ points and 15+ rebounds. All-in-all, the Nebraska native boasts 49 double-doubles in her career.
Speaking of her career, Shepard is in elite company with over 2,000 career points and 1,000 career bounds. The only other Irish player to achieve this – Ring of Honor inductee Ruth Riley.
In March, five finalists will be presented to Ms. McClain-Pittman and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. Fans will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist at www.hoophallawards.com.
The winner of the 2019 Katrina McClain Power Forward Award will be revealed in partnership with the WBCA at the Women’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida. Last season, Ruthy Hebard of Oregon was named the inaugural winner.
2019 Katrina McClain Award Candidates
| Lauren Cox | Baylor |
| Reyna Frost | Central Michigan |
| Napheesa Collier | Connecticut |
| Sara Rhine | Drake |
| Anriel Howard | Mississippi St. |
| Jessica Shepard | Notre Dame |
| Ruthy Hebard | Oregon |
| Bella Alarie | Princeton |
| Alanna Smith | Stanford |
| Megan Huff | Utah |
*Players can play their way onto and off of the list at any point in the 2018-19 season*
— ND —