MANKATO, Minn. — Senior Hanna Geistfeld (Truman, Minn.) was named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association National Player of the Week for NCAA Division III women's basketball, the national organization announced today.
This is her second career honor, and second in program history.
Geistfeld, a 6-0 senior forward from Truman, Minn., wins the award for the second time this season. The NCAA Division III leader in points (430), rebounds (222), field goals (157), and free throws (111) led Bethany Lutheran (11-6 overall, 6-0 UMAC) to a pair of road victories last week. Against Minnesota Morris on Friday, Geistfeld played all 40 minutes and finished with 38 points (13-of-16 FG, 12-of 14 FT) 19 rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the Vikings' 73-60 victory. Then, on Saturday, she scored 32 points (13-of-25 FG, 6-of-7 FT), grabbed 18 rebounds and added five assists.
Over the two games last week, she averaged 35.0 points, 18.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 0.5 steals while shooting 63.4 percent (26-of-41) from the field and 85.7 percent (18-of-21) from the foul line. For her efforts, Geistfeld was also named Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Player of the Week and has become the first player in the UMAC women's basketball DIII history to exceed 2,000 points (2,018).
Currently second in the nation with 12 double-doubles and third in scoring (25.3 PPG), Geistfeld has now set the program record for most games played, games started, and points.
Each Tuesday, the USBWA is selecting men's and women's Division III National Players of the Week. The program has resumed after a one-season hiatus and this is the seventh season that the USBWA will recognize national players of the week from Division III.
The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at 814-574-1485.
