AUSTIN, Texas — Averett University senior Samm Chandler was named the 2017-18 Division III Women's Basketball Academic All-American of the Year by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), the organization announced Wednesday.
 
Chandler, a native of Burnsville, North Carolina, was voted to the Academic All-America First Team, making her the first Cougar in any sport to be named a three-time Academic All-American by CoSIDA. Chandler was selected to the Second Team last season and the third team in 2015-16.

 "I'm really honored and blessed to earn this recognition," Chandler said. "Being a good student is just important to me as being a good athlete. I've put a lot of hard work into both areas so I'm very grateful."

Chandler finishes her collegiate career as one of the top student-athletes on and off the court. In the classroom, Chandler is a double-major in biomedical science and sports medicine with a 3.97 cumulative grade point average. The five-time USA South Academic All-Conference selection and member of Chi Alpha Sigma national college athlete honor society has been accepted into the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine following graduation from Averett this spring.
"I could not think of a more deserving player than Samm Chandler," Averett women's basketball coach Liz Hickey said. "Her dedication to her studies, her team and Averett University are the epitome of the Division-III philosophy. I am honored to have coached Samm and wish her luck in medical school."
 
A four-time USA South All-Conference performer and two-time D3hoops.com All-Region selection, Chandler was named to the USA South First Team for the second consecutive season and voted to the D3hoops.com All-Region Second Team this season. The guard averaged 17.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in her final season. Averett's all-time leading scorer and shot-blocker earned USA South Player of the Week once, was named to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week once and was voted the Hero Sports Division III Hero of the Week once.

After missing her first season at Averett due to injury, Chandler finishes her playing career with program records of 1,694 career points, 108 career blocks and 106 games played and started. Her 228 career steals ranks second all-time and her 810 rebounds is the fifth-highest total in program history. She also served as a five-time team captain for the Cougars, who set the program's single-season record for conference wins this season and helped her team achieve a program-best 18 overall wins in each of the last two seasons.

Chandler also made her mark in the community. As the three-year president of Averett's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Chandler and her fellow executive board members have helped Averett dominate the USA South Conference's two annual community service initiatives — "Cans Across the Conference" and "Pennies for a Purpose." Averett has won each competition among conference institutions three consecutive times. Over the span, Averett has collected 43,588 canned goods and food items to donate to a local food bank and raised $10,712.21 to benefit members of the Averett community affected by cancer or for cancer research.

In addition, Chandler has served as an academic tutor and gave prospective students tours as a campus ambassador during her time at Averett. She's also been active in the university's Christian Student Fellowship.

Chandler is currently one of 10 national finalists for the prestigious Jostens Trophy, 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.
 
"Samm Chandler is an extraordinary young woman who embodies the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete — a great student, a great leader, a great role model and citizen, and a superb athlete," Averett President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks said. "She epitomizes the ideal NCAA student-athlete.  We are so proud that she chose Averett University and grateful for the difference she has made at Averett as well as throughout our community."

Averett Director of Athletics Meg Stevens praised Chandler for her all-around excellence during her time at Averett.

"Samm Chandler is the perfect example of someone who has made the most of her opportunities at Averett University — on the basketball court, in the classroom and in the community," Stevens said. "Her leadership has made an impact in the Averett community and she has set the bar high for future Cougars."  

Click here for the official release and Academic All-America teams