SALEM, VA. - Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) of the Utica University women's basketball team has been named one of the finalists for the 2026 Jostens Trophy, recognizing the most outstanding Division III men's and women's basketball players of the year, as announced on Thursday.
The Jostens Trophy honors - one for men's basketball and one for women's basketball - are national awards created by the Rotary Club of Salem and sponsored by Jostens, Inc., to recognize the most outstanding men's and women's Division III basketball players of the year. The awards focus on three major criteria: basketball ability, academic prowess, and service to one's surrounding communities. The Jostens Trophy models the Rotary International motto of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of a well-rounded Division III student-athlete. The 2026 season marks the 28th time the Jostens Trophy honors will be awarded.
RELATED: Past Jostens Trophy Winners and Finalists
The Rotary Club of Salem is responsible for the initial review of the nominees, which it conducts over a two-week period. The Club's Jostens Trophy Committee objectively reviews the nominees and uses a numerical system to pare down the pools to an initial list of 22 finalists -- 11 for the men's award and 11 for the women's trophy.
The finalists will now be reviewed by the Jostens Trophy National Selection Committee. The committee is composed of men and women from across the country. The committee features current and former athletic administrators and head coaches, past Jostens Trophy recipients, and select members of the Division III media. The committee will spend the next week-plus reviewing the nominees with the aim of announcing the two winners the week following both national championship events.
Listed below are the finalists for the 2026 Jostens Trophy awards (listed alphabetically by last name):
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WOMEN'S FINALISTS
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MEN'S FINALISTS
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Isabella Antonacci, Allegheny College
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Chris Bryant, Hardin-Simmons University
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Riley Corcoran, Bridgewater College (Va.)
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Brady Burman, Sarah Lawrence College
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Brianna Fitzgerald, SUNY New Paltz
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Mason Dopirak, Milwaukee School of Engineering
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Natalie Gricius, Carroll University
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Mason Funk, Illinois Wesleyan University
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Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central), Utica University
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Sam Grieger, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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Lexy Harris, Washington University in St. Louis
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Scott Gyimesi, Tufts University
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Kaci Kranson, University of Scranton
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Chase Morgan, Maryville College (Tenn.)
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Macy Miller, Ohio Wesleyan University
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Kevin Nowoswiat, Franklin & Marshall College
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Samaree Perkins, Capital University
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Ben Pearce, Emory University
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Mary Schleusner, Washington and Lee University
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Jack Plesser, Union College
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Elyse Warren, Millsaps College
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Soren Richardson, Wheaton College (Ill.)
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D3Hoops.com will also be hosting a Fan Vote for the trophy finalists. You can vote for Vanessa by clicking HERE. Voting is open from today until March 19 at 11:59pm.
Additional information on the award can be found at https://odaconline.com/sports/jostenstrophy
