STANDISH, Maine – Former Saint Joseph's College women's basketball standout Abby Young '14, studying abroad and playing at Oxford Brookes University, was selected as the NBL Women Midlands South West Player of the Year earlier this spring.
Young, who graduated with a degree in Psychology from Saint Joseph's and is pursuing her Master's at Oxford Brookes, played for both the University and Oxford City Hoops, earning the Player of the Year award in the latter, during her first year in the United Kingdom.
"I was so fortunate to have been chosen for this honor, but honestly don't think I would have been successful if it weren't for being surrounded by other great players," adds Young.
Young's play helped the Oxford City Hoops team post a 12-2 record in a season that ended with a loss in the semifinal round of the playoffs. The Hoops squad also finished as the runner-up for the National Trophy and competed in a tournament in Ibiza, Spain, placing as the runner-up in that tourney as well.
"I could not have asked for a better playing experience while living here in Oxford," says Young. "Not only did I get to play with and against players from all over Europe, but I traveled quite a bit as well."
For the University, Oxford Brookes went undefeated during the regular season with Young in the fold and also earned a spot in the Premier Basketball League, the highest tier of competition, for next season. Oxford Brookes competed in the National Trophy for Universities and suffered its only loss of the year in the championship game.
"I have been so fortunate to play for both Brookes and Hoops and have enjoyed every minute of it," adds Young. "One thing I have found, playing for both teams, is that we genuinely enjoy playing with each other. I have also made some amazing friends on both teams, and am so glad I made the decision to come over here and continue playing."
Former Saint Joseph's men's basketball players Zach O'Brien '12 and Chris Petzy '12 also studied and played at Oxford Brookes, with Petzy winning Division 4 Midlands South West Player of the Year honors in 2014.
NBL Players of the Year 2014-15
Division 1 Ellis Cooper- Manchester Magic
Division 2 Ausridas Petraitis- London Lituanica
Division 3 North Calvin Morant-Hudson- Mansfield Giants
Division 3 South Phillip Perre- Thames Valley Cavaliers
Division 4 East Midlands Marlan Henry- Barking & Dagenham Thunder
Division 4 Midlands Mathew Martin- Doncaster Danum Eagles
Division 4 North Maurice Cole- Team Newcastle University
Division 4 South East Michael Romyn- Sussex Bears
Division 4 South West Abdoulaye Sylla- Oxford Brookes Devils
NBL Women Midlands South East Bethany Sarson- Oaklands College Wolves
NBL Women Midlands South West Abby Young- Oxford Hoops
NBL Women North Georgia Gayle- Sheffield Hallam Hatters
#GOMONKS
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Saint Joseph's College is Maine's only Catholic liberal arts college, providing a supportive, personalized and career-focused education for more than 100 years. From its 430-acre campus on the shores of Sebago Lake, the College offers more than 40 undergraduate programs to a population of approximately 1,000 students. Saint Joseph's College Online provides certificates, undergraduate and advanced degrees for working adults through an online learning program. For more, visit www.sjcme.edu.