BIRMINGHAM,Ala.- RolandaMonroe of Southern University was honored as the 2005 SWAC Women’s Basketball playerof the year Tuesday evening at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention ComplexArena.
“It’s agreat honor, because I worked really hard throughout the whole entire year,”said Monroe, a junior guard from Arcadia, La.
Monroereceived SWAC offensive player of the week honors three times. She led the SWACin scoring (20.5), free throw percentage (.767), and steals at 2.85 per game. Last year she was selected as the MostValuable Player of the Tournament.
“I’m happyto see Rolanda get it, because she worked so hard,” Southern head coach SandyPugh said. “She has an incredible desire to be successful, and she’s beensuccessful each year.”
Monroe doesnot take sole credit for her athletic skill and ability,
“Coach Pughis a great coach. She continues to stretch me above and beyond. My teammateshave helped me as well. They really have stepped it up this year,” said Monroe.
Monroe’sattitude and her determination to win is what keep the team going.
“As a coachI am blessed to have had an opportunity to work with her, and I look forward toworking with her next year,” said Pugh when speaking of Monroe.
Monroe wasnamed the SWAC freshman of the year in 2003.
”She is a positive player. Her winningmindset carries on to her teammates,” said Pugh. ”She has brought us this far, and we’ll continue to go as faras she will take us.”
Sophomoreforward Ashley Blake of Southern received second team All-SWAC honors. Blake, asophomore forward from Baton Rouge is the Jaguars second leading scorer at 10.1points per game and is second on the team in rebounds at 6.1 per game.
” Blake’s injuriesand personal complications have put her in a position, not to perform as wellas I expected, however, I am proud of her,” said Pugh.
Southern hashigh expectations entering as the No. 3 seed and winning last years SWAC tournament,earning the conferences automatic bid to play the University of Texas in thefirst round of the NCAA’s.
“We aremore focused and determined as a whole, so I expect for us to do really well inthe tournament,” said Monroe.
Southern(11-7, 14-13) will open SWAC Tournament play against No. 6 Miss. Valley State at12:30p.m.
Southernforward Peter Cipriano earned first team All-SWAC honors. Second year head coachMichael Grant and the men’s basketball team will face archrival Grambling Statein Thursday men’s quarterfinals at the BJCC Arena at 12:30 p.m.
