The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Collier named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist
02.23.2021 | Women's Basketball
The junior forward/center ranks fourth nationally with 12.5 rebounds per game this season.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Women's Basketball junior Charli Collier was named a semifinalist for the Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Tuesday.
Collier, an All-America candidate, has been one of the nation's top performers on both ends of the floor during the current campaign. She is averaging 21.2 points, 12.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this season. The Mont Belvieu, Texas native currently ranks second in Division I with 15 double-doubles, fourth in rebounds per game (12.5) and 12th in total points scored (446). She has recorded double-digit rebounds in 15 of 21 games this season, and blocked multiple shots on six occasions. That includes a career-high five blocks in a win over Oklahoma State on Feb. 10.
Collier has twice been named the Big 12 Player of the Week this season, and once honored as the Jersey Mike's Naismith Player of the Week. In addition to her semifinalist honor on Tuesday, she has also been recognized as a watch-list candidate for the Wooden Award, Wade Trophy, Naismith Trophy and Lisa Leslie Award this year.
