Shelby Bradley | Sports Co-Editor

Friday, Nov. 25, Buena Vista University (BVU) women’s basketball player Claudia Larsen was awarded the National HERO of the Week award. HERO of the Week is awarded to the best individual performance of the week in each division of several NCAA sports. Nominees are posted at the beginning of the week and fans are then able to vote to determine the winner. Larsen, a junior center, received the award for DIII women’s basketball after BVU defeated St. Scholastica at the Gustavus Adolphus Classic on Saturday, Nov. 19.

Larsen earned the award after totaling 12 points, 11 blocks, eight rebounds and four assists, just nearly missing a triple double. Her eight blocks also came in as the 6th highest single game total in NCAA DIII history. Larsen also helped lead the Beavers to a victory over Waldorf College Tuesday, Nov. 22, with a score of 93-51. She put up 10 points along with three rebounds, two assists and one steal.

“I felt that I was set apart from the other nominees in that I have a tremendous support group which is made up of friends, family, teammates, BVU community, and much more,” Larsen said upon receiving the award. “The best part is that these people want me to succeed and their votes are what helped me win the HERO award.”

Head Coach Janet Berry, who is in her 25th season with BVU Beavers, had nothing but praise for Larsen on a well-deserved honor.

“When you’re an athlete, it comes down to production, you have to produce something,” Berry said. “We’re really proud of her and happy that she got that national recognition, and happy that she’s a part of our team.”

Larsen and the rest of the Beaver team will open up conference play Wednesday, Nov. 30, against the Spartans of Dubuque College with tip off at 6 pm.

Photo by: Emily Kenny