Basketball | 3/12/2026 1:54:00 PM
DENTON, Texas (March 12, 2026) - As their standout senior seasons continue in the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament, Texas Woman's seniors Gabby Elliott and Averee Kleinhans earned their first Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-South Central Region honors.
Elliott was named to the first team, while Kleinhans earned second-team recognition.
Elliott was also named the 2025-26 Lone Star Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, becoming just the second Pioneer in program history to earn LSC Player of the Year honors and the first to sweep the conference's three major individual awards in the same season.
The senior forward has helped lead the Pioneers to a No. 1 national ranking, a 29-1 overall record and a perfect 20-0 mark in conference play, extending the program's record winning streak to 28 games. Elliott is averaging 16.6 points per game on 54.7% shooting while leading the conference with 11.9 rebounds and adding 1.6 blocks per contest. She has recorded 16 double-doubles this season and leads the LSC with 219 defensive rebounds.
Elliott closed conference play in dominant fashion, earning nine LSC Player of the Week honors — the most by any player in the league this season.
In addition to her on-court accolades, Elliott was named the LSC Academic Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-LSC Academic Team. She also received First Team All-LSC honors and was selected to the LSC All-Defensive Team.
"Gabby has been a dominant presence in the post for us all year," head coach Beth Jillson said. "She's someone we can rely on in every area — scoring, defense, rebounding and consistency on both ends of the floor. Her relentless work ethic shows up every day and has elevated not only her game but our entire team."
Kleinhans earned First Team All-LSC honors after collecting three LSC Offensive Player of the Week awards this season. The senior guard is averaging 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and 81.7% from the free throw line.
"Averee is a fierce competitor who simply knows how to win," Jillson said. "She's stepped up in every way we've needed, playing multiple positions and doing whatever the team requires. Her competitive spirit, leadership and resilience have been a huge part of our team's success."
Following Texas Woman's LSC Tournament championship, Elliott was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Elliott and Kleinhans were also selected to the LSC All-Tournament Team.
"Gabby and Averee are both so deserving of South Central All-Region honors," Jillson said. "Their leadership and impact on our team have been tremendous all season."
Olivia Reed Thyne of Colorado Mesa was named the 2026 D2CCA All-South Central Region Most Outstanding Player of the Year was Olivia Reed Thyne from Colorado Mesa. The D2CCA selects five players each to the first and second All-Region teams, with first-team selections advancing to All-America voting.
-PIONEERS-
