Alyssa Ustby named to Naismith Trophy Women's College Player of the Year Watch List

Ahead of her fifth and final season with the UNC women's basketball program, Alyssa Ustby is regarded as one of the top players in the country.

On Monday, Ustby was named to the 2024-25 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Women's College Player of the Year Watch List. This award is presented annually to the country's most outstanding college basketball player (both men's and women's).

Ustby is the definition of versatile. On the basketball court, Ustby impacts the game in a variety of ways, as her skill set has been a crucial element toward the UNC women's basketball program's success over her tenure in Chapel Hill.

During her true senior season, the Rochester, Minnesota native averaged 12.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. She earned Second-Team All-ACC honors for her efforts, extending her all-conference honors streak to three consecutive seasons.

A double-doubles machine, Ustby recorded 16 during the 2023-2024 season. On January 4, Ustby made UNC women's basketball history, becoming the first Tar Heel to record a triple-double. Come postseason play, Ustby was on top of her game, becoming the first ACC player with 15 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in an NCAA Tournament game since 2000.

Ustby is set to lead the UNC women's basketball program once again, as the hope is that the Tar Heels have a deep NCAA Tournament run in them. It's safe to say that Ustby will play a big role in the team's success this season, just like she's done since she stepped foot on campus a few years ago.