Lauren James Named NAIA All-American

NAIA Release | TU Honors Page

Kansas City – After a brilliant junior campaign, Lauren James was selected as a NAIA All-American, becoming the 18th TU women's basketball player in program history to earn the prestigious honor.

James' selection marks the sixth straight year Taylor has been represented on the NAIA All-American teams, and the Seymour, Indiana native becomes the fourth TU women's basketball player to be named a NAIA All-American under Jody Martinez, joining Kendall Bradbury, Abby Buchs, and Becca Buchs.

James garnered Third-Team All-American honors, helping lead the Trojans to a 19-7 record, including 14 wins at Odle Arena, and an 11-5 mark in Crossroads League play.

After missing all of last season due to injury, James took her game to new heights in the 2020-2021 campaign, establishing career-highs in points per game (15.6), assists per game (4.6), rebounds per game (4.5), field goal percentage (47.7 percent) and three-point field goal percentage (47.3 percent).

Along with leading the Trojans in scoring and assists, James ranked fourth in the NAIA in total three-point field goals made (87), seventh in three-point field goals made per game (3.3), and eighth in three-point field goal percentage and total assists (120).

James finished in double figures in 19 of Taylor's 26 contests, including seven 20-point performances over the course of the season. The junior scored a career-high 32 points against Goshen on November 24, shooting 12-of-18 from the field and five-of-nine from beyond the arc.

Additionally, James was named Crossroads League Player of the Week three times, while also being named First-Team All-Crossroads League for the first time in her collegiate career.

The NAIA Division I Women's Basketball All-American list consisted of 77 student-athletes with 12 spots on each of the first, second and third teams and 41 on the honorable mention list.