Linfield women's basketball players Miki Vermeulen and Allie Mead were named to the All-Northwest Conference first team is a release by the conference Wednesday afternoon. Mead and Vermeulen led the Wildcats in tying a program record 19 wins this season and ranked among the conference leaders in several statistical categories.
 
Mead excelled in directing the Linfield offense this season, averaging 4.2 assists to lead the conference while also ranking second in the NWC with a 1.4 assist/turnover ratio. The sophomore was also top 15 in scoring at 10.5 points and is just beginning to show what she is capable of.
 
"Allie stepped up big time for us as our starting point guard this season. She was our general on the floor and a steady contributor every game," said head coach Casey Bunn-Wilson. "It was fun to see her play with a new level of confidence. She's a fierce competitor and just starting to scratch the surface of what she can do."
 
Vermeulen demonstrated her ability to play all over the court time and again all season long. The junior from Renton, Washington put up career highs in points (9.7), assists (2.2), field goal percentage (45.1%) and three-point percentage (34%). Her impact this season can't be understated as the Wildcats made their way to the NWC tournament for the first time since 2019.
 
"Miki had an incredible year, she's our engine," said Bunn-Wilson. "She's such a positive voice and leader on the team, being everyone's hype woman. We really leaned into her versatility and rebounding and could depend on her to defend opponents' top scorers at the guard or post positions."
 
Whitman's Korin Baker won her third straight Player of the Year award while Natalie Lundberg took home Defensive Player of the Year. The Blues also secured the Coach of the Year award as Michelle Ferenz received the honor. Ashlyn Peterson out of Whitworth won Rookie of the Year