By: Clint Neumann
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Four members of the University of Sioux Falls Women's Basketball team have been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, as Ayla Brown, Alexis Rose, Gracie Traphagen, and Anna Vaaler each earned recognition for their work in the classroom and on the court.
The CSC Academic All-District honor recognizes student-athletes who meet strong academic standards while also playing a major role for their team during the season. For Sioux Falls, this year's group reflects the balance of academic success and competitive impact that helped power another strong season for the Cougar program. Brown, Rose, Traphagen, and Vaaler all played important roles in USF's lineup, with each bringing a different strength to the floor while also representing their majors with distinction.
Ayla Brown | Guard | Exercise Science
Brown continued to be one of the steadiest all-around players in the Cougar backcourt during her junior season. Starting all 29 games, she averaged 8.8 points, 5.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game while logging a team-high 1,075 minutes. Her 157 assists led the team, and she also added 55 steals while shooting 43.8 percent from the field.
Brown's value showed up well beyond scoring. She reached double figures in 12 games and consistently helped set the tone as a playmaker and defender. She posted a season-high 16 points against MSU Moorhead and handed out a season-best 11 assists at Augustana. She also recorded 10 assists against South Dakota Mines and nine assists in games against Southwest Minnesota State and Minnesota Crookston.
A strong rebounder for her position, Brown pulled down 132 rebounds on the year and grabbed a season-high nine boards at Minnesota Duluth. Her ability to impact the game in multiple ways made her one of the Cougars' most dependable pieces from start to finish.
Rose built on a strong freshman year with an impressive sophomore campaign, starting all 29 games and averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per contest. She finished the season with 358 points, 87 assists, and 48 steals while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three-point range.
Her scoring punch was one of the keys to the Cougar offense throughout the season. Rose scored in double figures 21 times and produced several standout performances, including a career-best 30 points against Minnesota Crookston. She also scored 20 points against Wayne State and 20 more at St. Cloud State late in the season.
Rose's all-around game also stood out. She grabbed a season-high eight rebounds against Wayne State, recorded six assists at St. Cloud State, and notched six steals at Minnesota State. Her combination of perimeter scoring, playmaking, and defensive activity helped make her one of the most complete guards in the NSIC.
Gracie Traphagen | Forward | Sports Marketing and Media/Coaching
Traphagen gave the Cougars key depth and spacing throughout the season while excelling academically in Sports Marketing and Media/Coaching. Appearing in all 29 games and making two starts, she averaged 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game while totaling 109 points on the year.
A forward who brought perimeter range to the floor, Traphagen knocked down 23 three-pointers and posted an 84.2 percent mark at the free throw line. She had several timely offensive performances, including a season-high 11 points against Concordia-St. Paul and 10 points against Winona State. She also scored nine points against Fort Hays State and Wayne State early in the season.
In addition to her shooting, Traphagen contributed 10 assists, 10 steals, and two blocks across the year. Her versatility and willingness to step into different roles gave Sioux Falls important minutes off the bench and added depth to the Cougar rotation.
Anna Vaaler | Guard | Exercise Science
Vaaler turned in a standout sophomore season and established herself as one of the premier players in the league. Starting all 29 games, she led the Cougars with 17.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while totaling 513 points and 228 rebounds. She also added 51 assists, 34 steals, and eight blocks.
Vaaler scored in double figures in 27 of 29 games and delivered several of the top performances of the season. She posted a season-high 33 points against Fort Hays State, scored 24 points against Southwest Minnesota State, Minnesota State, and Minnesota Crookston, and added 23 points at Nebraska-Kearney and at Augustana. Her offensive production came from all three levels, as she made 65 three-pointers while also shooting 87.0 percent from the free throw line.
She was equally impactful on the glass, recording double-digit rebounds 10 times, including a season-high 16 against South Dakota Mines. Vaaler added 14 rebounds at St. Cloud State and 12 rebounds against Minnesota State twice. Her consistent scoring and rebounding presence made her one of the central pieces of Sioux Falls' success all season long.
The four CSC Academic All-District selections highlight the success of the Sioux Falls program in developing student-athletes who perform at a high level in every area. From veteran leadership to emerging stars, Brown, Rose, Traphagen, and Vaaler each made their mark on the season while also excelling in the classroom.
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