Aliyah Boston.
South Carolina Women's Basketball sensation and U.S. Virgin Islands native, Aliyah Boston, continues to receive accolades even after her notable tenure as a Gamecock. On Monday, the NCAA announced her inclusion in the 2023 Woman of the Year Award Top 30.
The prestigious award is designed to honor female student-athletes who, having completed their undergraduate studies, have significantly distinguished themselves in athletics, academics, and community service during their time in college.
During her illustrious tenure with the Gamecocks, Boston accumulated numerous honors. Among these were the 2022 Div. I Honda Collegiate Athlete of the Year, the 2022 National Player of the Year, the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year title (which she clinched twice), and the 2020 National Freshman of the Year. Additionally, she achieved the All-American status four times (three of those being in the first-team). The athlete was recognized as the SEC Player of the Year twice, and impressively, as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year throughout her four seasons. Boston was the inaugural student to clinch the Lisa Leslie Award four times, an honor given to the country's best center.
In terms of team accomplishments with Boston at the forefront, the Gamecocks reached three NCAA Final Fours. The pinnacle of these achievements was the triumphant 2022 National Champion season. The team also secured three SEC regular-season titles and a trio of SEC Tournament crowns.
Post her college career, Boston has made significant strides in the professional arena. She unanimously clinched the WNBA Rookie of the Year title and was a starting player in the WNBA All-Star game.
Below is the complete list of the distinguished athletes who made it to the 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year Award Top 30:
- Vanessa Aniteye, Seattle Pacific, Track/Field
- Peyton Barnes, Fairmont St., Acrobatics/Tumbling
- Hannah Beatus, Grand Valley St., Softball
- Aliyah Boston, South Carolina, Basketball
- Kendis Butler, Penn St. Harrisburg, Basketball
- Ann Carozza, West Chester (Pa.), Swim/Dive
- Camryn DeBose, New Haven, Basketball
- Anjali Devireddy, Johns Hopkins, Tennis
- Callie Dickinson, Georgia, Swim/Dive
- Audrey Ernst, Arizona St., Triathlon
- Logan Eggleston, Texas, Volleyball
- Grace Forbes, Rice, Track/Field
- Divonne Franklin, Penn. Western, Track/Field
- Kristen Hayden, Indiana, Swim/Dive
- Sophie Jaques, Ohio State, Ice Hockey
- Amanda Montplaisir, Minnesota St., Track/Field
- Elise Morris, Middlebury, Soccer
- Tess Muneses, Washington & Lee, Field Hockey
- Birgen Nelson, Gustavus Adolphus, Track/Field
- Kristen Palmer, MIT, Fencing
- Charlotte, Richards, Mo.-St. Louis, Volleyball
- Karson MacKenzie Saunders, Union, Softball
- Jill Schmitmeyer, Findlay, Golf
- Delaney Schnell, Arizona, Swim/Dive
- Myah Selland, South Dakota St., Basketball
- Ellie Shahbo, Harvard, Field Hockey
- Sophia Glory Slovensky, Sthrn Maine, Track/Field
- Annika Urban, Emory, Track/Field
- Anika Washburn, Case Western Reserve, Soccer
Boston's recognition stands as a testament to her outstanding abilities, both on and off the court.
