Gemma Repeats as WBCA Division II Coaches All-America; Also Recognized by D2CCA
WALTHAM, Mass. – Bentley University senior forward Jen Gemma (Milton/Fontbonne Academy), the all-time leading scorer in the history of the winningest women's basketball program in Division II history, has been selected to the 10-player WBCA Division II Coaches All-America by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association for the second straight year.
The two-time Northeast-10 Conference Player of the Year is just the fourth player in Bentley history to earn multiple All-America awards from the WBCA, joining Lauren Battista (2012, 2013, 2014), Kim Penwell (1991, 1992) and Alison Fay (1982, 1983).
"For Jen to be named one of the ten DII All-Americans is the ultimate honor," praised her coach, Barbara Stevens. "This recognition is fitting for a young woman who has given everything she has to our program, not just this season, but throughout her career. What Jen has accomplished, leading our team in scoring and rebounding despite facing double and triple team defensive pressure in nearly every game, is remarkable."
Gemma, who finished her final campaign with averages of 18.5 points and 8.7 rebounds, was also selected for the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-America third team by the nation's sports information directors.
Gemma, a first-team All-Northeast-10 honoree for the third time, surpassed Battista at the top of Bentley's career scoring list, finishing her career with 2,151 points along with 1,084 rebounds, third most in school history. Amazingly, she reached 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in the same game, Feb. 8 against Southern New Hampshire.
One of two active Division II players in the exclusive 2,000/1,000 club, Gemma concluded her career fifth on the all-time NE10 scoring list as well as 11th in rebounds, ninth in field goals and seventh in free throws.
Bentley's leading scorer and rebounder for the third straight year, Gemma ranked in the top five in the conference in both categories. She led the NE10 in offensive rebounds (129), was second in free throws (141), recorded 17 20-point games and posted nine double-doubles.
"Jen's impact on our program has been immeasurable, not just because of her on court achievements, but in her leadership and total commitment to Bentley Women's Basketball," Stevens added. "We couldn't be happier for Jen, or more proud of her."