Ex-Wildcat Sam Thomas nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year award

Thomas, who's now a rookie for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has been named a nominee for NCAA Woman of the Year. The award is given annually to a student-athlete who exemplifies excellence and leadership in their sport, academically and in the community.

Arizona has produced four NCAA women of the year: Swimmers Whitney Myers (2007), Lacey Nymeyer ('09) and Justine Schluntz ('10) and high-jumper Tanya Hughes (1994).

Part of head coach Adia Barnes' first recruiting class at Arizona in 2017, Thomas played five seasons for the Wildcats, helping the program to its first-ever Final Four appearance in 2021.

Thomas averaged 9.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. She was also named a two-time Academic All-American, Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a Wooden Citizenship Cup recipient, Tom Hansen Medal winner and three-time Pac-12 All-Defensive Team selection.

The NCAA Woman of the Year will be announced in January at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio.