Pella, Iowa --February 12, 2020-Central College women's Basketball vs Luther Photo by Dan L. Vander Beek

Basketball player Kelsea Hurley took Female Freshman of the Year honors at Sunday night’s Dutchies awards at Central College. The Scottsdale, Arizona native played a significant role in helping bring the program back to prominence in the American Rivers Conference, and earning a conference tournament spot for the first time since 2005. The forward led the Dutch in scoring with 13.8 points per game in her inaugural campaign, led the team with 58 3-pointers made, and pulled in 4.6 rebounds per game. Hurley says the credit belongs to coach Joe Steinkamp for bringing in talented players, but also feels honored to have played such a major role in the turnaround season.

“I think the turnaround has been building up for the last couple seasons. I think Coach Steinkamp has a big part to play in that, he started recruiting some very talented players, and I think that we’ve all bonded very well together. But to be in my freshman season and to have such a great start to my career is just really awesome, and it’s an honor for me to be a part of that. It’s just great to see the team finally have those bright shining moments again.”

In winning the award, Hurley finished ahead of softball player Lauren Birt, Amanda Smith of the volleyball team, and indoor track athlete Mari Stein. Hurley will look to lead the women’s basketball team to even bigger things next season. The Dutch will return all but one player from this year’s roster.