Alabama women’s basketball sophomore forward Nikki Hegstetter was recently announced as one of 84 nominees for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Good Works Team. Hegstetter, a native of Kennesaw, Ga., is eligible for the 10-person team that will be chosen in February by a voting panel.
Tamika Catchings, the 2012 Most Valuable Player for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and former national champion with the Tennessee Lady Volunteers under legendary coach Pat Summitt, heads up the committee that will determine the 10 members.
“[We’re] really trying to get away from all the negative attention that is shown to student athletes,” Catchings said of the Good Works Team, which is in its second year. “Whenever they’re doing something, it’s all out in the open – front and center for everybody to see. If you take time to recognize people who are doing great things, this team is being put together for that main reason.”
In addition to leading the Crimson Tide in field-goal percentage, Hegstetter finds time to serve the Tuscaloosa community. She currently volunteers at the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, the Summer Food & Fun program at the McDonald Hughes Center and the fifth grade Fastbreak Program.
“Being able to put a spotlight on the great things these ladies are doing in their communities [is what we’re aiming for],” Catchings said.
Hegstetter has also served at various high school basketball camps, elementary schools, Druid City Hospital and the Capstone Village Retirement Community.
Catchings also offered her thoughts on Hegstetter’s place on the Crimson Tide team, currently in a transition period with first-year coach Kristy Curry.
“I think as far as Nikki goes, the number one thing is just being a great leader and being able to communicate with her coaches and teammates,” Catchings said.
Hegstetter, a regular starter at power forward, is third on the team in points (8.9) and rebounds (4.4). On Wednesday, the Crimson Tide will play the University of Tennessee at Martin Wednesday, whose leading scorer, Heather Butler, is also a nominee.
