RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - On Sunday, the Division II Conference Commissioners Association announced Samantha Bowman as the 2023 Women's Basketball Ron Lenz National Player of the Year to headline the All-American selections. The NCAA Division II sports information directors from institutions and conference offices voted for the teams.

Bowman, a two-time D2CCA All-American, led the country in rebounding for the second-straight season. She averaged 14.9 per game as she surpassed the 1,000-rebound total for her career. Her scoring average of 22.2 ranked sixth. She registered a double-double in 26 of her 30 games, a total that also led Division II.

"Even though this is a great individual award I couldn't have gotten this without my teammates," Bowman said. "Especially the guards for finding me in the post and allowing me to score. I also couldn't have done this without the incredible help of my coaches and trainers for my individual development as a player. I also want to acknowledge Hoium for everything he does. I can whole-heartily say I wouldn't be the player I am without his guidance and help in the weight room. He helped me learn what hard work actually is. I hope that this award will also help to elevate the women's basketball program at Central. It is a place that I owe a lot to and love being a part of. To all fellow athletes, commit yourself every day to being better. Always give 120%, don't give up when things get hard, and play with passion. GO CATS BABY!! "

Bowman has already notched All-American status garnering First Team honors in both the World Exposure Report and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Bowman also collected the GNAC Player of the Year award as well as the D2CCA West Region Player of the year award. 

These honors come following a record breaking season for Bowman breaking the GNAC career record for rebounds with 1,219, finishing second in scoring all-time in CWU history with 1,632 points, breaking a GNAC Tournament single-game record scoring 40 points against Simon Fraser in the opening round of the GNAC Tournament, breaking the GNAC single-game record for rebounds with 31 against Whitman, and breaking the CWU single season scoring record with 665 points this season.

"We are incredibly happy for and proud of Sam," women's basketball head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said. "She has been committed and has worked incredibly hard for everything that she has earned. She has never shied away from hard things and has met her high-level goals with the same high-level commitment, work ethic, and mentality. She has always done it the right way, always has been a great teammate, and not once has had an ounce of entitlement. She deserves this through and through. Congratulations to Sam, we are immensely proud of her and joyously happy for her."