LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola senior forward
Jessilyn Conicelli has been named to the 2010-11 Capital One Academic All-District 8 First Team as announce by the College Sports Information Directors of America on Tuesday morning.
Conicelli, who is from Redlands, earned the honor for her work both on and off the court this year. Conicelli has worked her way to a 3.93 cumulative GPA while pursing a Business degree at Biola. In addition, she has been named to the Dean List all seven semesters she has attended Biola.
Conicelli has also turned into one of the top women's basketball players in the NAIA. She is currently the only player in the GSAC to be averaging a double-double, averaging 17.9 points and 12.1 rebounds per contest this season. She ranks second in the NAIA in total rebounds, fourth in rebounds per game, 17th in total scoring, 21st in points per game and 29th in field goal percentage.
Conicelli has recorded a double-double in her last six games and has 16 on the season. She has failed to score in double-figures just once this year and scored 20 or more times in seven games.
Conicelli is one of six players on the First Team and one of just two NAIA selections on the team.
To be nominated for all-district consideration, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for her career. No athlete is eligible until he has reached sophomore athletic and academic standing. District 8 college division covers all NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA schools in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and British Columbia.
As a member of the district's first-team, Conicelli is now eligible to earn CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-America honors. She is the third Biola athlete to be named to an All-District Team joining volleyball's Tavea Hampton and women's soccer's Amy Atkinson earlier this season.
Just four Biola athletes have ever earned CoSIDA Academic All-American honors, the last was volleyball's Kelsey Christoferson, who was a third-team selection in 2009. The 2010 Women's Basketball Academic All-American team is scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
CLICK HERE to view the entire 2010-11 Capital One Academic All-District Women's Basketball Teams.
