Five members of the University of Massachusetts women’s basketball team were named to the Academic All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) Team, according to an April 2 announcement by the conference. The honorees are Lilly Ferguson, Megan Olbrys, Allie Palmieri, Jess Ross, and Chinenye Odenigbo.
The Academic All-MAC Team recognizes student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. To be eligible for this honor, a student-athlete must maintain at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average and participate in at least half of their team’s contests during the season. First-year students and transfers in their first year of residence are not eligible for consideration.
Ferguson appeared in all 30 games for the Minutewomen while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. She registered seven starts, scored 152 points, collected 185 rebounds, and achieved a career-high of 13 points against Akron on January 14.
Olbrys is working toward a bachelor’s degree in Communication and was a consistent presence in UMass’s front court. She averaged nearly 14 points and almost eight rebounds per game, ranking sixth in the conference for rebounds per game and placing among national leaders with her field goal percentage. Olbrys surpassed the milestone of 500 career rebounds this season and delivered a game-winning shot against Miami (OH). Her performance earned her selection to the All-MAC Second Team.
Palmieri is pursuing her master’s degree in Management while starting nearly every game this season. She averaged almost thirteen points per contest and reached double figures on twenty-three occasions. Palmieri received honorable mention recognition from the conference.
Ross played in twenty-four games as she works toward her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management; she totaled sixty points with forty-nine rebounds during the campaign.
Odenigbo started all twenty-seven games she played while studying Communications. The center set career highs across several statistical categories including field goals made, total points scored, assists, and blocks; her average blocks ranked third best within MAC competition while leading all players with her .601 field goal percentage.
These selections highlight academic achievement alongside athletic performance within collegiate sports programs.
