USF Athlete Kaitlin Aylward Named “Player of the Week”
- Amber James
- Jan 25, 2019
- 2 min read
Photo Courtesy of John Patsch
University of St. Francis junior Kaitlin Aylward has been named “Women’s Basketball Player of the Week” by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II (NAIA) as well as by the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC), according to www.gofightingsaints.com.
This is the first time Aylward has been recognized nationally for “Women’s Basketball Player of the Week” but it is her sixth time being recognized at the conference level. The starting forward helped the Saints win two conference games while traveling last week. According to www.ccacsports.com, the University of St. Francis is now in first place in the CCAC standings.
During the women’s basketball game against Saint Xavier University on January 16, Aylward scored 35 points during USF’s 73-54 win. According to The Herald-News website, she shot 14 of 20 from the floor, scored six 3-pointers and grabbed 11 rebounds. On January 19, the Saints defeated Calumet St. Joseph with Aylward scoring 11 of her 30 points at the free throw line. The Saints beat Calumet St. Joseph 77-57.
So far in 2019, Aylward is “shooting 54.5 percent from the floor, 41.2 percent from downtown and 81.5 percent from the foul line” according to www.gofightingsaints.com.
According to the same source, the USF women’s basketball team is currently on a six-game winning streak and, on average, is outscoring their opponents by nearly 16 points per game.
USF student Antonio Smithberg also mentioned Aylward’s success saying, “I think Kaitlin receiving this award is not only great for her, but it is also great for USF sports and the entire athletic department. I am sure her teammates and coaches are very proud of her!”
To find more information regarding the sports, rosters and schedules that the University of St. Francis Athletic Department has to offer, please visit www.gofightingsaints.com.
