NCAA Women

Westbeld earns spot on Katrina McClain Award Watch List – Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website

Westbeld earns spot on Katrina McClain Award Watch List – Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website

After posting one of the more impressive NCAA Tournament performances in recent Irish history, forward Maddy Westbeld enters her junior year in the national spotlight once again. On Thursday, Westbeld was one of 20 collegiate women’s basketball players named to the 2023 Katrina McClain Award Watch List. In its sixth year, the honor ultimately recognizes the nation’s top power forward. 

“Katrina McClain was a standout power forward throughout her career,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “We’re proud to recognize these tremendous student-athletes that have proven themselves as the best at their position. As we launch our fan voting component tomorrow, we encourage fans to cast their votes alongside Katrina and our distinguished selection committee.”

Westbeld is one of three ACC players named to the list, joining Louisville’s Olivia Cochran and Virginia’s Sam Brunelle, who completed her undergraduate career at Notre Dame. 

During her sophomore season, Westbeld averaged 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game for the Irish. She shot 48.2 percent from the floor, second on the team behind third-round WNBA draftee Maya Dodson. The 6-3 forward posted three games with 20+ points.

In her aforementioned standout postseason last year, Westbeld shot in excess of 60 percent (.606). That mark ranked fourth amongst all players who participated in more than one NCAA Tournament game. She led the team with 19 points in a first-round win over UMass and added 13 points in each game against Oklahoma (Round of 32) and NC State (Sweet 16). Against the Wolfpack, Westbeld stepped in to play the five when Dodson was in foul trouble. She defended All-American Elissa Cunane, and Westbeld tied her personal career high of three steals. 

Westbeld was a member of the All-ACC First Team in 2021 and hopes to become just the sixth Notre Dame women’s basketball player to earn the honor twice. Additionally, Westbeld was the 2021 ACC Rookie of the Year.

2023 Katrina McClain Award Candidates*

Esmery Martinez Arizona           Addie Budnik Richmond

Cate Reese Arizona                    Sania Feagin South Carolina

Erynn Barnum Arkansas             Victoria Saxton South Carolina

DreUna Edwards Baylor              Cameron Brink Stanford

Lauren Gustin BYU                       Jasmine Franklin Tennessee

Emma Ronsiek Creighton            Aaliyah Moore Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Women’s Basketball – Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website…