Oklahoma State University Athletics
Natasha Mack Named WBCA Defensive Player of the Year
April 01, 2021 | Cowgirl Basketball
ATLANTA – Oklahoma State's Natasha Mack has been named the 2021 WBCA NCAA Division I Defensive Player of the Year it was announced today by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association.
The Defensive Player of the Year award honors the best defensive women's basketball player in all of NCAA Division I. All conference defensive players of the year in NCAA Division I are considered for the award. If a conference does not select a defensive player of the year, the conference office can nominate one to be considered.
"Natasha Mack has been a consistent defensive force for Oklahoma State and has earned the highest respect from opposing coaches and players. She is a gifted and hard-working student-athlete who has demonstrated determination, intensity, effort and teamwork at the highest level," WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew said.
"We celebrate Natasha and appreciate her contribution to her team as well as to the game of women's basketball."
The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous Big 12 All-Defensive Team and first-team all-league selection, Mack is also a finalist for the Katrina McClain Award, which is given to the nation's top power forward. Additionally, she was named a second-team All-American by ESPN.com and Sports Illustrated and a third-team pick by the Associated Press and The Athletic.
The Lufkin, Texas native also appeared on the Wade Trophy Watch List, the Naismith Award Midseason Team and was tabbed as the Big 12 Player of the Week on three occasions.
This season, Mack broke her own school single-season mark with 112 blocks, the nation's best total as well. Her 4.0 blocks per game also lead the country. Mack averaged 9.2 defensive rebounds on the year, which ranks fourth in the country and her 19 double-doubles are the second-best tally nationally. She finished her senior campaign with 56 steals, which ranks 56th nationally as well.
The WBCA NCAA Division I Defensive Player of the Year has been awarded since 2007.
Past Recipients
2020 - DiDi Richards, Baylor University
2019 - Teaira McCowan, Mississippi State University
2018 - Kia Nurse, University of Connecticut
2017 - Gabby Williams, University of Connecticut
2016 - Moriah Jefferson, University of Connecticut
2015 - Elizabeth Williams, Duke University
2014 - Stefanie Dolson, University of Connecticut
2013 - Brittney Griner, Baylor University
2012 - Brittney Griner, Baylor University
2011 - Brittney Griner, Baylor University
2010 - Monica Wright, University of Virginia
2009 - Jennifer Risper, Vanderbilt University
2008 - Sylvia Fowles, Louisiana State University
2007 - Lindsey Harding, Duke University
The Defensive Player of the Year award honors the best defensive women's basketball player in all of NCAA Division I. All conference defensive players of the year in NCAA Division I are considered for the award. If a conference does not select a defensive player of the year, the conference office can nominate one to be considered.
"Natasha Mack has been a consistent defensive force for Oklahoma State and has earned the highest respect from opposing coaches and players. She is a gifted and hard-working student-athlete who has demonstrated determination, intensity, effort and teamwork at the highest level," WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew said.
"We celebrate Natasha and appreciate her contribution to her team as well as to the game of women's basketball."
The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous Big 12 All-Defensive Team and first-team all-league selection, Mack is also a finalist for the Katrina McClain Award, which is given to the nation's top power forward. Additionally, she was named a second-team All-American by ESPN.com and Sports Illustrated and a third-team pick by the Associated Press and The Athletic.
The Lufkin, Texas native also appeared on the Wade Trophy Watch List, the Naismith Award Midseason Team and was tabbed as the Big 12 Player of the Week on three occasions.
This season, Mack broke her own school single-season mark with 112 blocks, the nation's best total as well. Her 4.0 blocks per game also lead the country. Mack averaged 9.2 defensive rebounds on the year, which ranks fourth in the country and her 19 double-doubles are the second-best tally nationally. She finished her senior campaign with 56 steals, which ranks 56th nationally as well.
The WBCA NCAA Division I Defensive Player of the Year has been awarded since 2007.
Past Recipients
2020 - DiDi Richards, Baylor University
2019 - Teaira McCowan, Mississippi State University
2018 - Kia Nurse, University of Connecticut
2017 - Gabby Williams, University of Connecticut
2016 - Moriah Jefferson, University of Connecticut
2015 - Elizabeth Williams, Duke University
2014 - Stefanie Dolson, University of Connecticut
2013 - Brittney Griner, Baylor University
2012 - Brittney Griner, Baylor University
2011 - Brittney Griner, Baylor University
2010 - Monica Wright, University of Virginia
2009 - Jennifer Risper, Vanderbilt University
2008 - Sylvia Fowles, Louisiana State University
2007 - Lindsey Harding, Duke University
Players Mentioned
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