Washington State Cougars star Charlisse Leger-Walker named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year

Washington State Cougars women’s basketball star Charlisse Leger-Walker was named 2020-21 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, the conference announced Monday.

Leger-Walker, who was also named to the All-Pac-12 team and the All-Pac-12 Freshman team,  led the Cougars with 19.4 points and 2.3 steals per game during the regular season. A New Zealand native, she also ranked second on the team in assists (3.2) and rebounds (5.3) per game. She posted the highest scoring average for a WSU freshman in program history, and became the program’s first player to be named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 23 seasons.

“I feel very privileged and honored to be recognized,” Leger-Walker said in a school statement. “Obviously, that isn’t what I play for, but it’s cool to get recognized by people outside of our team. This award kind of represents the type of success we’re having as a team this year. It’s been a great first season, for me personally and for the team. A lot of learning curves and a lot of successes along the way. A lot of history this year as well, and it’s been really cool to be a part of.”

Leger-Walker helped Wazzu to its first-ever appearance in the Associated Press top-25 poll this season. The Cougars had three wins over ranked opponents, including two in the top 10: UCLA and Arizona. Leger-Walker hit the game-winning shot in both games.

She is the first freshman in Pac-12 women’s basketball history to end the regular season leading the conference in total points scored (407).

Leger-Walker was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week seven times, which is tied with Kelsey Plum (Wawhington) for the second most in conference history.

“We’re thrilled for Charlisse,” Washington State women’s basketball head coach Kamie Ethridge said in a statement. “She has distinguished as one of America’s best players in a conference filled with greatness. What truly separates Charlisse is her every-day-warrior-mentality and work ethic. She is a fierce and humble team-first competitor.”

Leger-Walker and the Cougars open play in the Pac-12 tournament Wednesday against Utah.