**Deja Kelly Named NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year**

Deja Kelly Named NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year**

In a remarkable season that saw her lead the University of North Carolina Tar Heels to an unforgettable run in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, Deja Kelly has been crowned as the NCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. The award, a testament to Kelly’s exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport, cements her place as one of the most electrifying talents in collegiate basketball.

Kelly, a standout guard, dazzled audiences throughout the season with her scoring prowess, defensive tenacity, and clutch performances in crucial moments. Her impact on both ends of the floor propelled the Tar Heels to new heights, as they captured the hearts of fans with their thrilling style of play.

The announcement of Kelly’s award comes as no surprise to those who have closely followed her career. From her days as a highly-touted recruit to her emergence as a bona fide star at North Carolina, Kelly has consistently displayed a rare combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ that sets her apart from her peers.

In addition to her individual accolades, Kelly’s success has translated into team success for the Tar Heels, as they made a deep postseason run and established themselves as contenders on the national stage. Her leadership both on and off the court has been instrumental in fostering a winning culture within the program.

As she reflects on her remarkable journey, Kelly remains humble and grateful for the support of her teammates, coaches, and fans. With her sights set on future success, she is poised to continue making headlines and inspiring the next generation of basketball stars.

On Tuesday, UNC women’s basketball star Deja Kelly was named as a finalist for this season’s 10-member WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America team. The region finalists were announced by the Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association.

The San Antonio, Texas native is one of 11 players on the list of Region 1 finalists. She was selected as a finalist for the third year in a row, showing just how good she’s been throughout her UNC women’s basketball career.

Kelly has been the Tar Heels’ leading scorer for each of the past three seasons, as she averaged 16.3 points per game during the 2023-2024 season. She earned first-team All-ACC honors for the third consecutive season and currently ranks eighth on the UNC women’s basketball program’s all-time scoring list.

Although she has competed for North Carolina for four seasons, Kelly does have an extra season of eligibility to work with. If she elects to use her “COVID year,” Kelly will likely be much higher on the program’s all-time scoring list before her UNC women’s basketball career comes to a close.