Bethune-Cookman’s Dorsey Named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: What It Means for the Team!

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Exciting news for Bethune-Cookman Women’s Basketball: senior Daimoni Dorsey has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. This announcement came during the SWAC Women’s Basketball Media Day at Embassy Suites.

Dorsey isn’t just adding this title to her list of achievements; she’s also been selected for the All-SWAC Preseason First Team. Her teammate, Janessa Kelley, earned a spot on the Second Team. For Dorsey, this is her first preseason honor, highlighting her hard work and dedication.

Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, Dorsey had a standout season last year. She played in all 31 games and started 30 of them, snagging 55 steals – ranking eighth in the SWAC. She averaged 7.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.97 assists per game, while leading her team in three-point shooting at 30.9%.

Coach Janell Crayton Del Rosario praised Dorsey, stating that her effort has set a strong defensive tone for the team. “This award reflects her hard work over the past year. But Dorsey believes it’s a team accomplishment,” Del Rosario noted. “She’s eager to prove her talent during her senior year.”

Kelley, a sophomore from Pompano Beach, Florida, also receives her first SWAC preseason recognition. She played all last season, scoring 7.2 points per game and leading in three-pointers with 42. Kelley finished eighth in the league for her three-point shooting percentage, showing significant growth in her game.

Del Rosario expressed excitement for Kelley, mentioning, “She’s worked hard to elevate her skills. This recognition shows the respect she’s earned.” However, Kelley knows that preseason accolades don’t guarantee success. She’s focused on helping the team win and compete for championships this year.

As a team, the Wildcats were predicted to finish seventh in the conference, with Southern taking the top spot, followed by Alabama A&M and Jackson State.

The Wildcats kick off their season on November 3 against UCF in Orlando. Keep up with the team on social media for the latest updates.

Recent studies from the NCAA have shown that strong defensive players like Dorsey significantly impact their teams’ success, highlighting the importance of defensive skills in women’s basketball. In fact, teams with higher steals per game often see better overall performance during the season. With this in mind, Dorsey’s anticipated contributions could be crucial for Bethune-Cookman’s success this year.

For more details about SWAC basketball and rankings, check out the SWAC’s official site.

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