University of Southern Indiana Women's Basketball players Vanessa Shafford and Addy Blackwell have been honored with the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Award for NCAA Division I, marking their first time receiving this accolade. To be eligible, student-athletes must be starters or important reserves with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA, have reached sophomore standing academically and athletically at their institution, and completed at least one full academic year there. Shafford, a Kinesiology major, excelled on the court, ranking in the top 10 in OVC league play and earning recognition as an OVC co-Player of the Week. Blackwell, who holds an undergraduate degree in accounting and professional services, made a strong comeback to the USI lineup after missing the previous season due to injury and played a key role in their successful season.

By the Numbers
  • Vanessa Shafford finished eighth in overall scoring within the Ohio Valley Conference.
  • Vanessa Shafford paced USI with points, rebounds, steals, and minutes played this season.
  • Blackwell averaged over five points and nearly two rebounds per game.
  • Blackwell has already surpassed 100 career three-pointers this season.
State of Play
  • USI had a 25-win season and a 17-1 conference record.
  • They secured two Ohio Valley Conference championships and the program's first WNIT berth and win.
Bottom Line

Shafford and Blackwell's exceptional athletic and academic achievements have not only added to their personal accolades but also contributed to the historic success of the USI Women's Basketball team in the 2023-24 season.