OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (USD PR) — South Dakota senior guard Ciara Duffy has been selected as one of 30 women’s basketball candidates who excel in the areas of community, classroom, character and competition for the 2019-20 Senior CLASS Award.
Duffy is a two-time Academic All-American who graduated Summa Cum Laude last May with bachelor’s degrees in political science and history. She’s now working towards her master’s degree in secondary education.
A 6-foot guard on the hardwood, Duffy is the Summit League Preseason Player of the Year and a two-time all-Summit League first team pick. Duffy’s career statistics include more than 1,500 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists.
“Ciara represents herself, her family, our women’s basketball program, the University of South Dakota, our Vermillion community and the entire state of South Dakota in an incredibly positive fashion,” said USD head coach Dawn Plitzuweit. “Ciara is a top-notch student, she is a highly respected and adored player and teammate, and she is an outstanding role model for our young girls in our community. We are very proud of Ciara and thrilled that she has been named a candidate for this award.”
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior with notable achievements in the areas of community, classroom, character and competition.
A native of Rapid City, South Dakota, Duffy is averaging 17 points, six boards and five assists this season. She ranks 37th in total points and 11th in assists in the nation.
Duffy is the lone Summit League athlete selected among the 30 candidates. This marks the second-straight year that a Coyote women’s basketball player has received the Senior CLASS Award as Duffy follows in the footsteps of alumna Allison Arens.
The list of candidates will be narrowed to 10 finalists in February. Those names will be placed on the official ballot and voted on by nationwide media, coaches and fans. The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced at the 2020 Women’s Final Four.
