(Story taken from Hendrix College website)
CONWAY, Ark. - Hendrix College senior forward Christina Byler was one of eight players selected in the nation to represent the United States on the USA D-3 Basketball All-Star Team for five contests against the best Brazil has to offer.
The USA D-3 All-Stars are invited underclass women’s players from across the country who were recognized as All-Region or All-Conference by their NCAA Division-III conferences and/or D3Hoops.com. “I believe that the players on these teams will be some of the same players we see recognized as All-Americans in 2011. This is an outstanding group of young women.” says Ron Smith, director of USA Sports Tours & Events. “This tour is designed to expose players to a great basketball experience while providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for educational, cultural and social growth.”
The USA D-3 tour will run from Aug. 3-12. The squad will begin with orientation and practice in Orlando, Fla. for the first two days before flying to Sao Paulo, Brazil for back-to-back-to-back contests in the City of Jundiai on Aug. 5, 6 and 7. The teams will then travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for two more contests on Aug. 9 and 10. In Rio the USA D-3 Team will be hosted by the Brazilian National Military team as it prepares for the World Military Basketball Championships in South Korea in September.
Byler received four post-season awards after the 2009-10 stretch. She was named to the 2010 D3Hoops.com All-South Region Second Team, All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) First Team, SCAC All-Tournament Team and All-Arkansas Small College Team.
“I am really excited about the opportunity I have been given to play on the US D-3 All-Star Team,” said Byler. “I am looking forward to playing with some of the best Division III players in the country. It is a real honor and privilege for me to represent both Hendrix and the United States at the international level and it is something I will not take lightly.”
Byler, a Little Rock, Ark. native, averaged a league best 17.3 points per-game and ranked in the top five in the SCAC in rebounding (9.1 RPG - 3rd), free throw shooting (90.2 pct. - 1st) and 3-point shooting (36.6 percent - 4th). Her free throw percentage was a new single season program record and ranks second on the SCAC’s all time single season list. With 1,324 career points, Byler is currently fifth on the Warriors’ all-time list.
"This is a well deserved honor for one of the best players in Hendrix women’s basketball history,” said Thad McCracken, last year’s head women’s basketball coach. “I have no doubt she will represent both Hendrix and the United States well in this foreign tour to Brazil.”
2010 USA D-3 All-Star
Team
Christina Byler (Hendrix College)
Courtney Carroll (University of Redlands)
Alisa Dickerson (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology)
Jasmine Greene (Hollins University)
Molly Martin (Hanover College)
Erica Nord (Concordia College)
Monique Salmon (Baruch College)
Melissa Teel (Western Connecticut State University)
Head Coach – Jon Prevo Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (IN)
2010 USA D-3 All-Star
Team Schedule
Thursday, August 5 - vs. Divino - 6 p.m.
Friday, August 6 - vs. Piracicaba - 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 7 - vs. Esporte Clube Sao Caetano - 6 p.m.
Monday, August 9 - vs. Brazil Military - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, August 10 - vs. Clube Fluminense - 6 p.m.
