CLEVELAND (April 3, 2024) — JuJu Watkins of the University of Southern California is the winner of the 2024 WBCA NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year presented by adidas, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced today.
The Freshman of the Year award honors the best NCAA Division I women’s basketball freshman or redshirt freshman. All conference freshman players of the year in NCAA Division I are considered for the award. If a conference does not select a freshman player of the year, the conference office can nominate one player to be considered.
“Energy, enthusiasm, effort and effectiveness — these are hallmark pillars that each coach hopes their first-year, student-athletes will contribute to the team,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. “The WBCA and adidas recognize the important contribution of first-year student-athletes. I am pleased to present the WBCA NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year award to JuJu Watkins. JuJu is a tremendous talent. She is the first freshman to be named a finalist for the Wade Trophy since freshmen became eligible for the award in the 2021-22 season. We look forward to watching her play for another three seasons.”
“Adidas has been providing innovative products for the world’s best athletes for more than 65 years, from past legends to today’s superstars as well as top collegiate basketball programs around the country. The WBCA and adidas are pleased to recognize the important contribution of first-year student-athlete and to present the WBCA NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year award to JuJu Watkins,” said Jonathan Sims, NCAA sports marketing manager, at adidas.
This is the eighth year of the WBCA NCAA Division I Freshman of the Year award presented by adidas. Visit WBCA.org to see a list of past recipients.
About the WBCA
The Women's Basketball Coaches Association is the professional association for coaches of women's and girls' basketball at all levels of competition. Founded in 1981, the WBCA offers educational resources that coaches need to help make themselves better leaders, teachers and mentors to their players; provides opportunities for coaches to connect with peers in the profession; serves as the unifying voice of a diverse community of coaches to the organizations that control the game; and celebrates those coaches, players and other individuals who excel each year and contribute to the advancement of the sport. Visit WBCA.org for more details about the association.
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