| Elyce Knudsen, who knows her way around the softball diamond, celebrated her 2023 Jostens Trophy midway through a Millikin doubleheader. Photo by Millikin University athletics |
The Jostens Trophy winner is, by definition, a unique talent. The top individual award in Division III basketball goes to the player deemed the most excellent on the court, in the classroom, and in her community.
It is even more rare that the Jostens Trophy goes to someone who has not completed their college basketball career, but Millikin All-American guard Elyce Knudsen has been special since she arrived from nearby Philo, Illinois. Knudsen is already a two-time All-American; a two-time Regional Player of the Year; a two-time conference MVP; and she could become the first two-time Jostens Trophy winner.
We sat down with the junior to discuss how COVID changed her college sports trajectory; how she landed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal; and how she hopes to improve her game in the offseason.
Topics:
2:30 From the softball diamond to the basketball court
4:45 Coach Olivia Lett’s recruiting approach
6:00 Adjusting to college, college sports, and COVID, at the same time
9:15 Playing her first full college season
12:30 Reflecting on the 2022-23 season
15:40 Her growth as a player
16:40 Mastering the mid-range jumper
19:00 Under pressure to carry the Big Blue?
21:30 NIL arrangement
25:25 Why major in finance?
26:40 Community service
30:40 First three-time Jostens winner?
31:30 How will she improve during the offseason?