Women's basketball: Wilkowski nominated for the Jostens Trophy
Wilkowski travels to Salem, VA as one of the twelve finalists.
Damian Goebel
Issue date: 3/9/10 Section: Sports
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The message said that she, along with only 12 other Division III women's basketball players across the country, was a finalist for the Jostens Trophy.
"I didn't know I was nominated until I got the e-mail that said 'Congratulations,'" Wilkowski said.
The Jostens Trophy recognizes Division III athletes, not only for their athletic prowess, but also for their scholastic achievements and community service.
Wilkowski was the Pipers leading scorer this season at 16.9 points-per-game, but she does a lot more than just play basketball.
In school, she is an economics major and also a member of Sigma Beta Delta, a business honors society.
Wilkowski also does a great deal for her community.
"I do a lot of camp counseling, mostly basketball camp counseling for kids," she said.
She is also involved in Relay for Life, which raises money for the American Cancer Society.
"A few friends started to organize it," Wilkowski said. "They just tell me what to do."
Wilkowski said she wasn't sure who nominated her, but thought it was a combination of Athletics Director Bob Beeman, Hamline Head Women's Basketball Coach Melissa Young-Kruse and Sports Information Director Stephanie Harris.
Wilkowski said all Harris asked for was her resume at one point and assumes it had something to do with the nomination.
She said she isn't sure what her chances of winning are, but she said she is loving being along for the ride.
"I always thought when people said 'it's an honor to be nominated' that it was a cliché," she said. "But now that this happened, it is the best answer in the world."
Wilkowski won't have to wait long to find out if she has won. Schools will be notified by March 10 if their student athlete will take home the trophy and scholarship that goes with it.
The award will be presented March 18 at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA in conjunction with the men's Division III National Championship game.
The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem, VA, honoring the nation's top men's and women's Division III basketball players.
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dgoebel@hamlineoracle.com
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