Ohio Wesleyan University senior Kasey Schipfer (Mechanicsburg) has been named one of 10 women's finalists for the Jostens Trophy, it was announced today by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., which sponsors the award.
Schipfer ranks in the top 10 in NCAA Division III in points (601, seventh), free throws (164, third), free throw attempts (187, tied for eighth) and free throw percentage (87.7, eighth), and ranks 21st nationally in scoring average (20.0/game) and 11th in field goals (217) and is tied for 14th in steals (91). Schipfer leads the North Coast Athletic Conference in scoring average (20.0/game), points (601), field goals (217), free throw attempts (187), free throws (164), free throw percentage (87.7), steals (91), and steals per game (3.0) and ranks fifth in rebounding (7.8/game), fourth in field goal percentage (51.7), and 13th in assists (61). Schipfer is a 2-time selection as the North Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Year and was the league's Defensive Player of the Year during the 2022-23 season. Schipfer's 601 points this year ranks second on the Bishop season list, her free throw percentage of 87.7 set a school season standard, and her 91 steals tied the OWU season record. Schipfer set another OWU record with a stretch of 45 consecutive free throws over a 9-game stretch this season. Schipfer finished her career ranked fifth on the Ohio Wesleyan scoring list (1633) and sixth on the career rebounding list (750). Schipfer is a 3-time All-NCAC selection.
The Jostens Trophy is a national award created by the Rotary Club of Salem to honor the most outstanding men's and women's NCAA Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess, and community service. The trophy models the Rotary International motto of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of the well-rounded NCAA Division III student-athlete. This season marks the 26th presentation of the awards, with the inaugural trophies bestowed in 1998.
The Rotary Club of Salem is responsible for the initial review of nominations and narrowed the collection of candidates over the past two weeks. The Club's Jostens Trophy Committee employs a numerical rating system in determining the lists of finalists, ensuring . The system ensures an objective process through the first round of vetting.
A selection committee of 30 individuals from various associations with Division III men's and women's basketball will vote from among the finalists. The Jostens Trophy will be presented the week after the NCAA Division III men's and women's basketball championships in March.
