Gallaudet freshman Nukeitra Hayes earns Conference Rookie of the Year honors
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Capital Athletic Commissioner Tom Byrnes announced the 2007-08 postseason awards for women's basketball in a press release earlier today. Among the honorees, Gallaudet's Nukeitra Hayes earned top billing as the 2007-08 CAC Rookie of the Year.
Head coach Kevin Cook commented: "We're very pleased; she has worked very hard this season, especially while playing injured in the second half of the season. It is also pleasing to see her join a Gallaudet alumnae, Ronda Jo Miller as a recipient of this award. We feel that Nukeitra's career [has the makings to mirror Ronda Jo's]."
This honor puts Hayes in an elite Bison club with Ronda Jo Miller, the only other Gallaudet player to earn this honor. Miller was named in 1997, the first year the award was presented by the CAC.
See the official CAC press release!
Hayes averaged 16.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per outing, including a 63% result in free throws. The Anderson, Indiana native also deflected 48 shots, picked off 27 passes and had 34 assists. She started in 22 of the Bison's 24 games this season.
In conference-only statistics, Hayes led the freshmen with a 15.1 per-game scoring average as well as 8.3 rebounds-per-game. Her 45% field goal performance also posted top billing. At the charity stripe, Nukeitra shot 69%, second only to St. Mary's Tiara Hurte's 75%. Hayes blocked 29 shots, yet another top posting for a freshman.
Interim Athletic Director Michael Weinstock added, "I'm happy for Nukeitra. She deserves this award because she works hard and goes all out every game. I hope to see another Ronda Jo Miller!"
Gallaudet Athletics congratulates Nukeitra Hayes on a tremendous
accomplishment and looks forward to what 2008-09 will bring!
