About Katrina McClain Award
The Katrina McClain Award is an annual award that is presented to the most outstanding power forward in women's college basketball. This award is named after Katrina McClain, a former standout player at the University of Georgia and she has played for several other teams and has also represented the United States having played in three Olympic teams.
This award was established in 2017 by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Candidates for the Katrina McClain Award are judged based on their on-court performance, leadership qualities, skill level, and overall contribution to their teams as power forwards. The selection process is comprehensive, ensuring that the deserving candidate receives this recognition each year.
The recipient of the Katrina McClain Award becomes a part of winners includes talented athletes who have left an indelible mark on women's college basketball.
Katrina McClain Award History
The Katrina McClain Award was established in 2017 to recognize outstanding performances by women's college basketball players. The award was first presented in 2018 to Ruthy Hebard for her exceptional play during the 2017-2018 season. Hebard, who was playing for the Oregon college at the time, received the award in her sophomore season.
Since then, the Katrina McClain Award has been presented annually to several women's college basketball players who have shown their skills and contributions to their teams. These recipients are selected based on their performance, leadership, and impact on the game.
Katrina McClain Award Winners List
As of 2022–23 college basketball season, five women basketball players have won the Katrina McClain Award since 2017-18 seasons. NaLyssa Smith has won this award two times in consecutive years in 2020–21 and 2021–22 season in her Junior and Senior season of playing for the Baylor Lady Bears basketball team.
Here is the list of Katrina McClain Award Winners as of 2022-23 season:
| Season | Player | School | Class |
| 2017–18 | Ruthy Hebard | Oregon | Sophomore |
| 2018–19 | Napheesa Collier | UConn | Senior |
| 2019–20 | Ruthy Hebard | Oregon | Senior |
| 2020–21 | NaLyssa Smith | Baylor | Junior |
| 2021–22 | NaLyssa Smith | Baylor | Senior |
| 2022–23 | Maddy Siegrist | Villanova | Senior |
When is the Katrina McClain Award Presented to the Winner?
The Katrina McClain Award winner will be presented on a determined date, alongside the other four members of the Women's Starting Five. This award is given to the top power forward in Division I women's college basketball and typically held at the end of the season in April.
Katrina McClain Award 2024 Finalists
Here is the list of Katrina McClain Award 2024 finalists:
| Player | School |
| Yvonne Ejim | Gonzaga |
| Angel Reese | LSU |
| Kiki Iriafen | Stanford |
| Aaliyah Edwards | UConn |
| Alissa Pili | Utah |
FAQs
A. The Katrina McClain Award was established in 2017.
A. Any women power forward playing college basketball in the United States is eligible for consideration for the Katrina McClain Award.
A. The Katrina McClain Award is presented by Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame & Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA)
A. The Katrina McClain Award was firstly won in the 2017–18 season by Ruthy Hebard from the Oregon college.
