GREENWOOD, IN –Transylvania’s Julie Leach (Beaver Dam, KY/Ohio Co.) has been named February’s Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Women’s Player of the Month. The sophomore basketball centerpropelled the Pioneers to a 6-1 record in February, including an at-large trip to the NCAA Division III tournament.

Leach helped Transy to a 19-9 record and receive the school’s first bid into the NCAA Division III women’s tournament. Leach and the Pioneers finished third in the HCAC regular season standings and lost by a single point in the conference tournament finals to Manchester.

In seven February games, Leach averaged 17.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals, including five double-doubles during the month. The sophomore connected on 56.2% of her field goal attempts in the month and 81.6% from the free throw line.

Leach’s most impressive performance was her effort against Bluffton. The sophomore center scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win over the Beavers on Feb. 10.

The HCAC Player of the Year became the second female to win the HCAC Player of the Month award twice in the same calendar year. Hanover’s Leah Peelman received the honor twice last year for her efforts in cross country. Leach is the only Transy athlete ever to receive the Player of the Month award.

The HCAC Player of the Month award is in its second year of existence. The award is voted on by the sports information directors of each member institution.

2006-07 HCAC Players of the Month (Women)
September Sam Danesis, Rose-Hulman (Tennis)
October Katie Tewell, Franklin (Golf)
November Julie Leach, Transylvania (Basketball)
December Rebekah Forsyth, Rose-Hulman (Basketball)
January Suzy Carlson, Rose-Hulman (Basketball)
February Julie Leach, Transylvania (Basketball)