SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Lena Gipson was named to the 2010-11 West Coast Conference Preseason All-Conference Team, as announced today by the league office. Gipson, a senior power forward from Hanford, Calif., is one of the most prolific rebounders in Santa Clara University history.
Gipson was one of ten players recognized on the team, which was released along with the preseason coaches' poll. Santa Clara was picked to finish seventh in the eight-team league.
"It is nice to be recognized, but the polls that really matter come at the end of the year," said Gipson. "We have a lot of work to do. Especially myself. I feel like I am a month behind the rest of the team because I've sat out because of my back."
Gipson has missed some practice time due to a nagging back injury but is expected to be in the lineup when the Broncos officially open their season at home Friday, November 12 against Fresno State.
She was named an All-WCC First Team player last season after averaging a double-double (12.6 ppg/10.0 rpg) and collecting 16 double-doubles on the year, which ranked No. 23 among all NCAA players. Her rebounding average of 10.0 ranked second in the WCC.
2010-11 WCC Women's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team
(Alphabetical order)
Rheina Ale, G, 5-8, Jr., University of San Francisco
Janelle Bekkering, G/F, 6-0, Sr. Gonzaga University
Dominique Conners, G, 5-8, Jr., University of San Diego
Alex Cowling, G/F, 5-11, Jr., Loyola Marymount University
Lena Gipson, F, 6-0, Sr., Santa Clara University
Jazmine Jackson, G, 5-9, Jr., Pepperdine University
Katelan Redmon, G/F, 6-1, Jr., Gonzaga University
Louella Tomlinson, F, 6-4, Sr., Saint Mary's College
Courtney Vandersloot, G, 5-8, Sr., Gonzaga University
Renahy Young, G, 5-8, Sr., Loyola Marymount University