Mary Schleusner ’26 Named a Finalist for the Jostens Trophy The senior forward was selected as one of 11 finalists for the award recognizing the Division III basketball players of the year.
Mary SchleusnerWashington and Lee University women’s basketball player Mary Schleusner ’27 was named one of 11 finalists for the 2026 Jostens Trophy as announced by the Rotary Club of Salem.
The Jostens Trophy is a national award 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. The 22 finalists will now be reviewed by the Jostens Trophy National Selection Committee. The 30-person 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.
Schleusner is the first W&L women’s basketball player and the second W&L athlete to be named a finalist for the prestigious award, joining men’s basketball player Greg Bienemann in 2008. She picked up her fourth First Team All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and ODAC Defensive Player of the Year honor while securing her third consecutive ODAC Player of the Year nod. She leads the Blue and White in points, rebounds and blocks this season, tallying a conference-best 21.1 points and 16.6 rebounds per game. She also leads the ODAC with 2.1 blocks per game. Schleusner has recorded 27 double-doubles this season, a total that leads all NCAA divisions.
This season, Schleusner became the all-time leading rebounder and career leader in double-doubles in NCAA Division III history while ranking seventh in rebounding average (16.2) and eighth in career points (2,436). In addition, she ranks second in all NCAA divisions in career rebounds (1,946) and third in double-doubles (95).
The Charlotte, N.C. native is a business administration and strategic communication double major and was named to the Academic All-ODAC team in 2023. Schleusner serves as a university ambassador, a radio host at WLUR 91.5 FM and is a member of Kathekon. She is also the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America while serving as the vice president of the Delta Society. Schleusner also volunteers at the Kendal at Lexington retirement home.
Please visit the Josten’s Award website for additional information about the award, including past winners and finalists.
WOMEN’S JOSTENS TROPHY FINALISTS
Isabella Antonacci, Allegheny College
Riley Corcoran, Bridgewater College (Va.)
Brianna Fitzgerald, SUNY New Paltz
Natalie Gricius, Carroll University
Vanessa Hall, Utica University
Lexy Harris, Washington University in St. Louis
Kaci Kranson, University of Scranton
Macy Miller, Ohio Wesleyan University
Samaree Perkins, Capital University
Mary Schleusner, Washington and Lee University
Elyse Warren, Millsaps College
If you know a W&L student who has done great, accolade-worthy things, tell us about them! Nominate them for an accolade.
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