By Nate Perry, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Leadership by example is an essential part of any successful team, but for Tennessee Tech women's basketball, which boasts nine underclassmen on the roster, there is even more value placed on guidance from third and fourth-year players.
Redshirt junior forward Anacia Wilkinson has risen to occupy one of those roles for Kim Rosamond's Golden Eagles, and has modeled the characteristics of a great teammate through her constant focus on the goals of the group. Whether it be on the floor, in the classroom or in the community, Wilkinson has always been there to meet the capacity of her team's needs.
The Houston, Texas native has stood tall though an adversity-filled career thus far in Cookeville, displaying remarkable perseverance to return from not one, but two significant knee injuries in her first three seasons.
Now healthy, Wilkinson has shown elite skill as a shot blocker in the middle of the Tech defense, posting 21 blocks through her first eight games. That mark currently leads the Ohio Valley Conference, and is tied for 11th nationally. 'Naci', as she's known by her coaches and teammates, was as high as fifth in the nation after putting up eight rejections over two games in Charleston, S.C.
Away from the hardwood, Wilkinson has been active in the campus's Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and its various service events, and Race for the Cure, among other affiliations.
It is for these attributes that Wilkinson is TTU Athletics' choice for the Unsung Leader Award for the month of November.
The Unsung Leader Award is selected from student-athletes, who have been nominated by their coaching staff, for exemplifying outstanding leadership qualities during the past month. The leadership can be shown on the field, in the weight room, at practice, in the classroom, in study hall, on campus, in the community or for a student club or organization.
The award honors a varsity student-athlete who has made a positive impact on their team and the Tennessee Tech community as a whole, through his or her dedication to demonstrating leadership traits, such as:
- Keep learning, growing and improving;
- Follow through with excellence
- Accomplish more than expected
- Inspire and motivate others.
For Wilkinson, it's been her selfless team attitude and courage in the face of hardship that have set her apart.
"Naci epitomizes our 'Team First' core value", said Tech assistant coach Allison Clark. "She is a servant leader and is always searching for ways to help make our team better. Whether it's cooking dinner or being a motherly figure, Naci is a shining example of a servant leader."
"Her courage and fight to return to action this year after coming off knee surgery has been admirable."
