Women's Basketball | 04.15.2026
GREENWOOD, Ind. – LC State Women's Basketball standout
Sitara Byrd added to her legacy on Wednesday when she was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America team. Byrd becomes the second Warrior Women's Basketball player to earn the honor and was named to the second team.
Byrd is one of 10 NAIA women's basketball student-athletes to be tabbed a CSC Academic All-American this season. The senior from Spokane has maintained a 3.99 grade point average throughout her four years and will graduate this spring with a degree in elementary education.
"To add this to Sitara's list of accolades is absolutely perfect," coach
Caelyn Orlandi said. "Sitara works for everything she earns, and this is just another example of how truly phenomenal she is. She exemplifies everything it means to be a Warrior and her dedication to excellence both on and off the court is truly remarkable. I have been so honored to have been a part of her journey and to talk about her one last time is so special to me as a coach. Sitara dedicated herself to her team, her coaches and the Warrior Way and I am so proud of not only this accolade, but everything she has done as a Warrior. She is one of our Warrior greats. A fantastic, much-deserved accolade, and a huge honor for all of her hard work."
The award recognizes student-athletes who excel both in the classroom and in the field of play. To be eligible, student-athletes must start in 66% of games or appear in 90%, must hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher and be at least a sophomore in standing. Members from the CSC Academic All-District ballot can advance to the All-America ballot which is voted on by CSC members.
"I am truly honored to receive this CSC Academic All-America award," Byrd said. "To be recognized among a group of student-athletes who strive for excellence both on the court and in the classroom is incredibly meaningful to me. This recognition reflects the support and guidance I received from my coaches, professors, teammates, family and community. Their encouragement has pushed me to grow not only as a student-athlete, but as a person as well. I am forever thankful for all the opportunities LC has given me."
Byrd surpassed 1000 points in her career this season and finished with 1282. The senior started all 34 games this year and led LC State in field goals made (175), points (477), points per game (14.0) and offensive rebounds (77). Byrd ranked third in the Cascade Conference in steals with 80, and was fifth in 3-point percentage (.406). She grabbed 6.9 rebounds per game and shot .494 from the field. Byrd put on an impressive showing in the NAIA First and Second Rounds with career-high rebounds each night. She grabbed 15 against Hope International (Calif.) before 17 against Montana Tech to help send LC State back to Sioux City.
Byrd was voted All-Cascade Conference and was named the CCC Offensive Player of the Week during the season.
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