“I felt like the coolest kid,” Bianchi recalled.

That experience shaped what he wanted next: to be the one asking questions, telling athletes’ stories, and helping others feel recognized. Years later, as a mass communication major preparing to graduate, Bianchi said that passion still guides the future he envisions beyond the mat.

Wrestling was already part of his life growing up, with a family of four older brothers who all competed — it was their way of life. One brother, Paul, especially influenced his path and first introduced him to the possibility of college wrestling.

“My four older brothers wrestled, and I wanted to do whatever they were doing,” Bianchi said. “Then my brother, Paul, began competing at a high level, and I wanted to follow the same path he was on.”

Watching his brother navigate the recruiting process opened his eyes to the possibility of competing at the collegiate level himself. But when he arrived at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, the transition to Division I wrestling proved far more difficult than he expected.

“I was very naive,” Bianchi said. “I thought that because I had success in high school, it would instantly translate to college. But that was not the case for me.”

Adjusting to college life while competing tested both his confidence and resilience. After going 1-3 in a competition his freshman season, Bianchi began questioning whether he belonged.

“At one point my freshman year, I almost quit, thinking, ‘Maybe this isn’t for me anymore,’” he said.

During that difficult transition, his coaches became important mentors. He also credits the support of his family and teammates for helping him persevere through the demands of college athletics. Their support helped him work through the challenges of adjusting to college athletics and life away from home.

“If you are only wrestling for yourself, it can become lonely and meaningless,” Bianchi said. “When you are wrestling for others who have supported you through ups and downs, you fight a lot harder.”

Over time, Bianchi learned how to balance the demands of being both an athlete and a student. His schedule often stretched from early morning lifts, to classes during the day, and extra workouts in the wrestling room late into the evening — but balancing both roles became a source of pride.

“When one area of your life is focused, it can make the others fall in line,” he said. “Wrestling was a huge focus. But I can’t wrestle with bad grades. So I worked to improve physically, mentally, and spiritually daily.”

Bianchi’s interest in storytelling continued to grow through his coursework, especially during a live audio course where he learned how to edit and produce audio content. The class introduced him to podcasting, inspiring his senior capstone project, Mindset With Matty — an eight-episode podcast focused on wrestling and the mindset athletes carry during and after a competition. Through the project, Bianchi interviewed wrestlers, coaches, and close friends, exploring how lessons learned on the mat continue shaping their lives long after the match has ended. The conversations not only strengthened his storytelling skills, but also deepened many of his personal relationships.

The guidance Bianchi received from his instructors and coaches shaped the kind of teammate, mentor, and person he wanted to become. As his confidence grew and his success followed, he focused on helping younger wrestlers navigate the same struggles he had faced.

“I have tried to be an open-door person,” Bianchi said. “If a teammate is struggling, I will hear what they have to say without making them feel bad, because whatever they might be going through, I have as well.”

That growth transformed the uncertainty of Bianchi’s freshman season into some of the biggest accomplishments of his career. During the 2025 season, he captured a PAC-12 championship and earned NCAA All-American honors after enduring the demanding three-day NCAA Championships tournament. For Bianchi, though, the season’s most meaningful moments had less to do with medals and more to do with the people beside him.

“That year was very special to me,” Bianchi said. “Everything I did was with guys on the team who I have been around forever and my brother, Joey.”

Joey became Bianchi’s primary training partner throughout the season, pushing him through practices, workouts, and the physical toll of competition. Together, the brothers won back-to-back PAC-12 titles and qualified for the NCAA Championship, sharing hotel rooms, training sessions, and the highs and lows that come with competing on college wrestling’s biggest stage.

“The best moments were not the matches,” he said. “It was the workouts in the middle of the night and us guys trying to laugh, make jokes, and somehow make something that is so intense, fun.”

While wrestling shaped much of his college experience, Bianchi said the future he envisions still traces back to that brief interview after a high school wrestling match years ago. His work in mass communication allowed him to explore storytelling, broadcasting, editing, and media production, giving him a different way to engage with the sport he has always been part of. Now preparing to graduate, Bianchi said the moments he values most are not tied to championships or grades, but to the people and experiences that came with them — teammates pushing through late-night workouts, coaches who challenged him, and the relationships built throughout his four years on and off the mat.

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Smith, a management major from Little Rock, will graduate this month magna cum laude with a GPA above 3.8 while continuing her volleyball career in the university’s MBA program.

A setter for the team, Smith said she chose ����Vlog��ý Little Rock because it felt like the right fit academically and athletically.

“From the beginning, I could see that the program would challenge me in the classroom while also giving me the opportunity to compete at a high level in volleyball,” Smith said. “I really valued the supportive environment from the coaches, professors, and teammates. It felt like a place where I could grow and be pushed to reach my full potential.”

“I also liked that I could build strong relationships and not feel like just a number,” she said.

Smith did not originally plan to graduate early, but continued taking courses to challenge herself.

“Over time, that added up and put me in a position to finish ahead of schedule,” she said. “It still took a lot of discipline, time management, and sacrifice, especially balancing academics with being a student-athlete.”

Smith said earning magna cum laude honors and maintaining a GPA above 3.8 made the hard work worthwhile.

“It’s something I’m really proud of, not just because of the recognition, but because of the consistency and effort it took over time,” she said. “More than anything, it gives me confidence going into the next chapter, knowing I was able to push myself and succeed at a high level both in the classroom and on the court.”

This year, Smith was inducted into ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter, the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society. She was also nominated for Female Scholar of the Year at this year’s Trojan Top Awards.

“It represents all the hard work I’ve put in both academically and athletically, and it means a lot to be recognized for balancing both at a high level,” Smith said. “As a student-athlete, you’re constantly working to meet expectations in the classroom and on the court, so this nomination feels like a reflection of that commitment and consistency.”

She added that the recognition helps challenge stereotypes about student-athletes.

“����Vlog��ý have always been a priority for me as well,” she said.

Outside the classroom and volleyball court, Smith serves on the executive board for ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Management and HR Society and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was also elected SAAC president for the upcoming school year.

Smith said her favorite memory as a student-athlete was Little Rock’s five-set victory over Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) in its first home conference match last season at the Jack Stephens Center.

“The energy in the gym was unreal,” she said. “The stands were packed, and the intensity was high from the very first point.”

Smith said the match remained close throughout, and the team stayed united through every set.

“Getting that win to start conference play at home, in that kind of environment, is something I’ll always remember because of the atmosphere, the competitiveness, and the way our team stayed together,” she said.

Smith credits professor Phil Harris and athletic trainer Jess Kiser for making a lasting impact on her journey at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“I learned so much in his management classes, but what stood out even more was the mentorship he provided outside of the classroom through the Management and HR Society,” Smith said of Harris. “He genuinely cared about helping students grow, not just academically but professionally as well.”

She said Kiser consistently supported student-athletes through injuries and challenges.

“She was incredibly passionate about her job and truly cared about each of us as athletes and people,” Smith said. “She was always there whenever we were dealing with injuries, making sure we were taken care of and supported every step of the way.”

After graduation, Smith plans to use her remaining year of volleyball eligibility to continue playing for the Trojans while pursuing her MBA.

“This next chapter is a chance for me to keep growing both academically and athletically,” she said. “Competing at a high level while taking on a graduate program will continue to push my discipline, time management, and leadership skills.”

Smith said her biggest advice for future student-athletes is not to underestimate themselves.

“It’s easy to underestimate what you’re capable of when you’re balancing a full academic and athletic schedule,” she said. “But you’re capable of more than you think if you stay disciplined and committed.”

She also emphasized the importance of resilience and focusing on what can be controlled.

“You can’t control every outcome, but you can control your effort, attitude, preparation, and how you show up every day,” Smith said. “If you focus on those things, everything else tends to fall into place over time.”

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A senior psychology major and standout , Little is entering his fourth season on the mat with an impressive 60-12 record and two All-American honors. But beyond his athletic accolades, he’s equally proud of what he’s accomplished in the classroom.

“I chose to major in psychology because I want to go to physical therapy school after I graduate,” Little said. “I spend a lot of time in the training room keeping my body healthy for wrestling, so learning more about how people think, feel, and stay motivated connects really well with understanding recovery and performance.”

For Little, psychology and wrestling go hand in hand. He’s learned to apply lessons from his coursework directly to his performance on the mat — from understanding how the brain processes stress to staying composed during high-pressure matches.

“Studying psychology has taught me a lot about how people handle pressure and emotion,” he said. “Everyone gets butterflies or nerves because we’re all human. What matters is finding your own way to deal with them. For me, I just focus on preparation and trust the work I’ve put in.”

Being a Division I athlete while maintaining academic excellence isn’t easy, but Little credits consistency and discipline for keeping him on track. 

“After long practices or lifts, it can be tough to find motivation to study or do assignments,” he said. “But I’ve learned that discipline matters more than motivation. I have goals I want to achieve, so I remind myself that staying consistent in both wrestling and school is what will get me there.”

That steady mindset has paid off. Over four years, he’s not only earned national recognition but also become a leader for younger teammates — someone who models what it means to compete and excel with integrity. Reflecting on his time at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Little said the experience has changed him profoundly. 

“I’ve had a big mindset change since my freshman year,” he said. “I’ve grown in my discipline, leadership, and time management. Balancing everything has made me more mature and helped me develop habits that I’ll carry with me long after wrestling.”

After graduation, Little plans to attend physical therapy school while continuing to pursue his dream of making the Olympic or World Team. 

“Psychology will definitely help me in both areas,” he said. “Whether it’s understanding athletes I work with as a PT or staying mentally strong through my own training and goals.”

When asked about his most meaningful experience as a Trojan, Little points to a single match that defined his career. 

“One of the most meaningful moments for me was the first time I earned All-American honors,” he said. “It was a close match that went into overtime, and I got the takedown to win. Seeing my coaches, parents, and teammates after that match was amazing — it made all the hard work and sacrifices feel worth it.”

As commencement approaches, Little said earning his degree is more than just crossing a finish line — it’s proof of how far he’s come. 

“Earning my degree means that all the hard work paid off and I’m one step closer to my goals,” he said. “It represents years of commitment and growth, both on and off the mat, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

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Before DeSordi found her path as a future educator, she spent 15 years competing in the pool – and said swimming is one of her greatest teachers. 

“Swimming taught me discipline, patience, and how to keep going when things get tough,” she said. “There were early mornings and long practices when I didn’t see results right away, but I never let myself give up. That’s the attitude I want to bring to my students.”

She added that the sport didn’t just make her tougher – it helped her learn how to support and encourage others. 

“I learned the importance of teamwork and celebrating small victories,” she said. “As a teacher, I want to create a classroom where students feel supported, motivated, and confident in themselves.”

Teaching, she said, always felt like a calling. 

“I come from a family of educators — my mom, my grandparents, even my great-grandparents,” she said. “Each time someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said a teacher.”
She spent time helping in her school’s special education classrooms as a child. However, it was when she toured ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and learned more about the education programs offered, that everything clicked. She was then encouraged by advisors to pursue the K–12 Health and Physical Education program, and she immediately felt at home. 

“Once I started meeting people in the program and working with kids, I knew I had found where I belonged,” she said. 

Dr. Rachel Eells, director of the ����Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Education, said she has watched DeSordi thrive both academically and personally. 

As graduation approaches, DeSordi is preparing to begin ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s graduate program in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Education and plans to stay in Little Rock to continue growing as an educator. 

“Ally has been a model student, she’s committed to excellence and ready to be an exceptional teacher,” Eells said. “She’s connected with the community, excelled in her internship, and plans to continue with us in graduate school. We’re thrilled she’s staying in Little Rock.”

Balancing life as a Division I swimmer, a student-teacher, being a pep band musician, and working at the Aquatics Center in the Donaghey Student Center wasn’t easy. 

“There were early mornings, late nights, and long days,” she said. “But I had great friends and people who helped me get through it. It pushed me to grow in new ways. I’ve never been someone who asks for help, but this changed that. I learned it’s okay — and sometimes necessary — to reach out.”
Through it all, she discovered a strength she didn’t know she had, realizing that every moment—good or bad—was shaping the teacher she is becoming and revealing just how resilient she truly is.

One moment from her internship affirmed everything. DeSordi recalled a student who often came in moody and reluctant to participate. 

“I pulled her aside to talk, and I think we connected because I was already having a rough day myself,” she said, noting that after their conversation, the student returned to the activity with a smile. “Her whole attitude changed. She was laughing and participating, and I was smiling and laughing with her.”

Driving home afterward, DeSordi felt a rush of purpose. 

“I was exhausted but proud,” she said. “I thought, ‘I love what I’m doing, and I can’t wait to do this full-time.’ Moments like that make all the chaos worth it.”

Although she said swimming guided her to becoming the person she is today, it’s teaching and continuing to learn that pushes her forward. 

“I’m excited for the next chapter and the chance to help students believe in themselves the way my teachers and coaches believed in me,” she said.

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The week will feature student-focused events beginning Monday, February 23, and running through Saturday, February 28.

Key alumni activities are scheduled for Thursday, February 26, and Saturday, February 28.

“Homecoming is a meaningful time for our community to come together and celebrate what makes ����Vlog��ý Little Rock special,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to campus.”

Highlights of the week will include the Distinguished Alumni Luncheon, the Cardboard Boat Regatta for students, Greek Alumni Night on Thursday, alumni tailgating on Saturday, and much more.

“Our alumni play a vital role in supporting our student-athletes, and we can’t wait to have them in town for several events, and in the stands cheering on the Trojans,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor  for alumni and development.  

Homecoming basketball begins Thursday with the Trojans taking on Morehead State. The women will play at 5 p.m., and the men will tip off  at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s Homecoming doubleheader features the Trojans vs. Southern Indiana, with the women’s game at 1 p.m. and the men’s game at 3 p.m.

“We’re building something exciting in Trojan Athletics, and Homecoming is a great moment to rally around that momentum,” said Frank Cuervo, director of athletics. More details about Homecoming festivities will be announced in the coming months. Visit and for more about Homecoming 2026.

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Cuervo brings a 26-year career in intercollegiate athletics, marked by leadership roles across all Division I institutions – FBS, FCS, and I-AAA. He has served in senior level administrative, fundraising and comprehensive revenue generating roles at ����Vlog��ýB, Missouri State, Indiana and Missouri.

“Frank Cuervo is uniquely qualified to lead Little Rock Trojans Athletics into the future,” said Chancellor Drale. “His extensive experience, coupled with a proven track record of success in enhancing athletic programs and developing strong community and university relationships, makes him the ideal choice for this critical role.”

Before joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Cuervo served as the Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where he played a pivotal role in community engagement, driving revenue, fundraising, and building championship-caliber programs. His efforts contributed to significant growth in ticket sales, donor engagement, and overall athletic success.

“On behalf of my wife, Michelle, and my son, Nathan, I want to thank Chancellor Drale and the search committee for the incredible opportunity to come to Little Rock to lead the Trojan Athletics program,” incoming Director of Athletics Frank M. Cuervo said. “We are thrilled to be here and look forward to becoming ingrained in the Central Arkansas community.”

Some of his notable career successes include securing invitations to join prestigious conferences, spearheading facility upgrades, and boosting academic achievement among student-athletes.

“����Vlog��ý Little Rock is an institution, and an athletics program, that is on the rise, and I welcome the opportunity to work with our supporters to shape its future. We want to build a program the people of Arkansas can be proud of, striving for comprehensive excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in competition, as we compete for championships and place the Trojans on a national stage,” Cuervo said. “I am eager to partner with our 275 talented student-athletes, our elite group of head coaches, and the entire athletics and campus administration, as we utilize athletics as a vehicle to highlight all the incredible things happening at this world-class institution. The future for Little Rock has never been brighter. Go Trojans!”

Cuervo holds a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Sport Management from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Florida, where he was also a walk-on member of the baseball program. He will be joined in Little Rock by his spouse Michelle, a Missouri native, and a son Nathan.

“I would also like to thank George Lee for his diligent and dedicated service as our Athletic Director these last four years,” said Chancellor Drale. “During his tenure, he has helped lead the athletic department through the rapidly changing landscape of NCAA college athletics including conference realignment, the development of the transfer portal, and growth in name image and likeness. We look forward to his continued contributions to our community.”

Cuervo will be on campus for a formal introduction to the university and local community on Wednesday, March 27 at 11 a.m. in Engel Hall at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center.

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During the 11-day tour, the basketball players and coaching staff will visit Rome, Florence, Venice, and Lake Como. They will play three international exhibition games at Rome on Aug. 10, Venice on Aug. 14, and Lake Como on Aug. 16 before returning to Little Rock on Aug. 17.

“We are thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to take our team and staff over to Italy this year for a foreign trip,” Head Coach Darrell Walker said. “With so many new faces, this will be great for our guys to be able to get more comfortable with each other’s games throughout the 10 extra practices that are allowed and the three games.”

NCAA rules allow a team taking a foreign tour to hold 10 days of practices on campus before leaving for the tour. The Little Rock Trojans are welcoming 10 talented newcomers to this year’s squad, and the foreign tour will give them a chance to grow as a team.

“This tour provides top competition, and I’m excited to see how our guys respond playing against some older, more experienced players,” Walker added. “It’s also an opportunity for our guys and our staff to get to spend some quality time together off the court, and we’re just excited about who we’ve brought in and can’t wait for our fans to see it this year.”

In addition to the opportunity to play against international opponents, the basketball players will experience the culture and sites of Italy. In Rome, they will visit historic sites including the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Colosseum.

Additional tour stops will include a guided city tour of Florence, a guided bike tour of Bologna, a guided tour and gondola ride in Venice, a food tasting and cooking class in Verona, as well as a boat tour from Lake Como to Bellagio.

The trip will be a familiar experience for Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Julius Hodge, who previously played in Italy with the Italian Serie A teams Cimberio Varese and Legea Scafati.

“The differences are vast,” Hodge said. “In Italy, you have to put the ball on the ground first before you move, but our guys will adjust quickly. The basketball is also smaller and a little bit firmer than basketballs in the U.S. Playing in a foreign country helps the team gain international experience. Every time I’ve been on a trip like this, I’ve seen the players bond in a way that wasn’t possible before.”

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Lindsey Hutcheson, a member of the , was running with teammates during a practice when the tornado siren alarms went off on Friday afternoon. She and her teammates took cover in the basement of the university’s dormitory while they watched news coverage.

“I was panicked because my dog was home alone,” Hutcheson said. “I was crying the whole time because I could see on the news where the tornado hit my apartment complex.”

After the tornado passed, Hutcheson made her way to her third-floor apartment at Calais Forest Apartments, located at 500 Napa Valley Dr. in Little Rock. She had to park about three-quarters of a mile away because of the blocked roadways. She was met with utter destruction.

“I saw that some of the buildings in my complex were completely destroyed,” Hutcheson said. “In my building, my apartment was the only one whose roof got torn off. When I saw it, I ran down because I was panicking. I went under the caution tape, but I was told I couldn’t go in. I fell on the ground crying because my dog was in there.”

Hutcheson’s parents, who live south of Hot Springs, made it to her apartment about half an hour after she did. The family was eventually able to search the apartment, but it was covered by pieces of roof, insulation, rubble, and debris. They didn’t find Remy, nor could they hear him.

Confusion ensued. They noticed that part of the wall was torn open and wondered if Remy might have jumped out of the apartment and wandered off. Further complicating matters, a neighbor told Hutcheson that they had seen someone rescue Remy from the apartment. Believing it to be the apartment’s maintenance staff, Hutcheson was once again disappointed to learn that they had no idea where the dog was.

With it not being safe to go back into the apartment, Hutcheson went home with her parents where she got just a few restless hours of sleep. They returned the following morning to search the apartment again. This time, Hutcheson’s mom Paige tried kicking in the door to her bedroom, which was blocked by pieces of insulation, and that is when Hutcheson spotted Remy.

“I tried to dig the insulation out, and then I saw his little butt sticking out of the debris,” Hutcheson said. “I don’t know how or why, but he’s fine. I probably lost everything else. Honestly, he is all I cared about. Everything else can be replaced, but I just wanted him to be found.”

Hutcheson now believes that Remy was likely in his bed in her bedroom when the tornado hit, and that he got trapped under the debris, but does not know why he didn’t respond when they searched the apartment the first time.

Hutcheson’s mother made a that was shared more than 15,000 times on Facebook. Hutcheson is thankful for all the people who took the time to try to help them find Remy.

“It means the world to me that people would take time out of their day to read our post,” Hutcheson said. “If Remy was out there and that’s how we found him, we would have been so grateful. I am so glad that people care, and that they did that for me.”

Hutcheson, who is earning an MBA, will graduate from ����Vlog��ý Little Rock in May. Until then, she is grateful to be staying with a family friend in Little Rock. With the state of her apartment, it’s unlikely she will be able to return there. Her parents, who both work in insurance, are helping her with her insurance claim. Meanwhile, she feels incredibly lucky that she wasn’t at home when the tornado struck, and that she has been reunited with her best friend.

“It could always be worse,” she said. “I know there are people who have it worse than me right now, so I can’t complain. I’m just glad Remy was found.”

Hutcheson is scheduled to compete for the Trojans this Friday at the Little Rock Invitational, the program’s annual home meet held at the Coleman Sports Complex. She is scheduled to run in the 1,500-meter at approximately 1:40 p.m. and then again in the 800-meter race at approximately 3:10 p.m.

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In support of Little Rock’s largest sporting event, members of Little Rock Athletics volunteered to provide water and Gatorade to the participants as they passed by.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with the organizers of the Little Rock Marathon and volunteer on race day,” said Darius Maize, deputy athletic director for internal operations and special projects. “As Little Rock’s Team, it’s essential that we find ways to get out and support the community. Our student athletes enjoy providing encouragement and support to the participants each year too.”

Dr. Katie Helms, associate professor of sports management, was the pace group leader for the 3 hour, 55 minute finish time. As an on-course race representative, her job was to set a pace for other runners to follow. As a participant who had run the Little Rock Marathon over 10 times, she looked forward to seeing the Trojan aid station during the event.

“I knew it would be full of good support and crowd energy, because they know how important that is to other athletes,” Helms said. “I also knew that I would see some friendly and familiar faces there, which always gives me a boost!”

Aid stations are essential safety checkpoints in large events like the Little Rock marathon. The volunteers have instructions from race officials regarding procedures in a variety of scenarios, including a health or weather emergency. They also provide important front-line customer service by answering questions and problem-solving during the event.

“They give as much energy as they can back to the runners, and this aspect is invaluable for athlete support,” Helms said. “I can tell you that aid station personnel are the hardest working volunteers on the course.”

As part of the sport tourism industry, the Little Rock Marathon is an important way for Little Rock to showcase itself to the rest of the country. Not only does it promote the city, but it encourages residents of the state to join in the fun and be healthy.

“I’m happy that the race participants, whether they were local or from other parts of the country, got to experience who ‘Little Rock’s Team’ is,” Helms said.

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Francis has been open about the issues she has faced, helping create a dialogue about the challenges shared by many other athletes. She will be honored at the upcoming Women’s Final Four in Dallas.

The senior forward has said “Basketball saved my life,” but by bravely sharing her story of fortitude, self-belief and vulnerability, she is touching many others’ lives in a positive way. As a child in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, she endured years of childhood mental and physical abuse and struggled through the process of emotionally healing from those wounds. Through sports and supportive mentors and coaches, she found an outlet.

The announcement, coming just two days after Little Rock was named the USBWA’s National Team of the Week, is the first time an Ohio Valley Conference player – men’s or women’s – has ever won such a national award.

As a 15-year-old, Angelique began a foundation called ALF – which stands for Angelique Lizette Francis – to help youth dealing with abuse. She delivers motivational speeches to local schools and appeared at the Save AR Students Rally Focused on Preventing Substance Misuse, speaking on the steps of the state capitol alongside Governor Asa Hutchinson.

“It is truly an honor and blessing to receive this award, one that is named after an icon,” Francis said upon learning of the honor to be bestowed. “I hope that my journey helps to inspire others to never give up and to keep pushing because you have a purpose in life. I want to thank my family for all the love and support, as well as my coaching staff, teammates and everyone who has believed in my vision. Thank you to the USBWA for this amazing opportunity. And for anyone out there that ever has doubts, know that you are valued and loved.”

On the basketball court, she averages eight points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting a team-best 53 percent. Her leadership has not only guided Little Rock to first place in the Ohio Valley Conference standings, but the Trojans have already clinched at least a share of the OVC regular season title in the OVC Tournament with two games still to play. Thanks to Francis’ tenacious post play, Little Rock ranks fourth nationally in scoring defense by holding opponents to just 52 points per game and has held four different teams to less than 40 points in a game this season.

The USBWA has presented a Most Courageous Award since the 1977-78 season. Since 2012, the association has also recognized winners from women’s basketball with the Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award. Last season, the men’s Most Courageous Award was named in honor of Perry Wallace, the SEC’s first Black athlete to play a full four-year career in any sport. This year’s winners, Terrence Hargrove of Saint Louis and Connor Odom of Utah State, have also spoken out about their experience overcoming mental-health issues.

The USBWA chose Francis, Hargrove and Odom not only to honor their courage in coming forward to discuss their mental health and helping remove any stigma still associated with that, but to acknowledge the many issues college basketball players – and athletes in all sports – have faced before, during and after the pandemic.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at 814-574-1485.

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