Women's College Basketball
Rider's McKenzie MAAC Preseason First Team
EDISON—Senior MyNeshia McKenzie of the Rider University women's basketball team was named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Preseason First Team in voting by the league's 11 head coaches.
“We are very proud of MyNeshia,” said head coach Lynn Milligan. “This is a great honor for her and the program.”
“The recognition means a lot to me,” McKenzie said. “But in reality, my teammates and my coaches have put me in position to help turn the program around. I'm surrounded by great players and that's what is bringing the team together and making us successful.”
McKenzie, from Springfield, Pa. (Springfield (Delco)), was second in the MAAC in rebounding (9.8) and fourth in the conference in scoring (14.2) while compiling 1.9 steals per game, eighth best in the MAAC.
McKenzie was a Second Team All-MET and an All-MAAC First Team honoree last season after leading Rider to 15 wins, its fifth most wins in a season in its 74 year program history.
“I think this recognition is the natural next step for her after last season and she has worked very hard to continue her growth as a player and a leader of this team,” Milligan added. “'Mac' is on a mission this season and wants to lead her teammates and this program to the next level.”
“The team is first before any personal recognition,” McKenzie added. “Accolades are great but at the end of the day, the success of the team is what everyone will remember. Our goal is to hang a banner in the gym; that is the number one focus.”
McKenzie enters the season needing five points to become Rider's 19th 1,000 point scorer.
As a junior, McKenzie started 29 of 30 games and led the Broncs in scoring, rebounds, steals, assists and minutes.
McKenzie is joined on the MAAC Preseason First Team by Katie Cizynski, Fairfield, Joy Adams, Iona, Damika Martinez, Iona and Casey Dulin, Marist, one of whom will be named the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year on October 16.
“The fact that the 11 coaches around the league voted for this award is gratifying,” McKenzie said. “It shows how much respect our program is gaining around the league and we want to continue to live up to those expectations.”
Rider is entering its 17th season in the MAAC. The only Bronc to earn MAAC Preseason First Team recognition was Tammy Myers, prior to the 2008-09 season.
Rider opens the 2013-14 season at Lafayette on November 8. The home opener is November 14 against LIU Brooklyn at 7 p.m. in Alumni Gymnasium.
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