2026 Heart Women's Basketball Postseason Awards Announced

Player of the Year: Kylie Diaz – Peru State  

Kylie Diaz totaled 582 points while averaging 20.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game across 28 starts, shooting 53.7 percent from the field. She added 85 assists, 37 steals, and 78 blocks, earning two NAIA National Player of the Week honors during a dominant all-around season. 

Defensive Player of the Year: Kylie Diaz – Peru State  

Diaz anchored the defensive end for Peru State, recording 78 blocks and 37 steals while securing 262 total rebounds, including 195 on the defensive glass. Averaging 9.3 rebounds per game, she combined rim protection and rebounding to headline the league's top defensive performance. 

Newcomer of the Year: Jessica Reeter – Missouri Valley  

Jessica Reeter averaged 17.7 points per game across 28 starts, knocking down 87 three-pointers while shooting 154-of-368 from the field. She added 132 assists, 100 total rebounds, and 32 steals, delivering an immediate all-around impact in her first season at Missouri Valley. 

Freshman of the Year: Kelli Storck - Benedictine  

Kelli Storck averaged 10.5 points per game while totaling 231 points across 22 appearances, shooting 53.7 percent from the field. She added 122 rebounds and 23 steals, making an immediate impact in her freshman campaign. 

Coach of Year: Jon Lewis – MidAmerica Nazarene  

Coach Lewis earned back-to-back Heart Women's Basketball Coach of the Year honors in 2025-26, leading the Pioneers to a second straight regular-season conference championship. The Pioneers secured the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament while finishing 19-1 in conference play and 23-3 overall. 

Assistant Coach of the Year: Andi Connelly – Benedictine 

Connelly guided the Ravens to the No. 2 seed in the Heart Conference Tournament, finishing the season 22-6 overall and 18-2 in conference play.