Jesus Parra
Staff Reporter

BCU Charger Liz Grider, was selected as the Hauff Mid-America Sports/ Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Women’s Basketball Player-of-the-Year.
Grider, in her second season at BCU, also headlines the GPAC Baskteball All-Conference Teams for 2009-10 and becomes the first ever two-time first team all-GPAC selection.

“It’s a huge honor for me,” said Grider. “I worked really hard this summer on break down moves, ball handling, defense, steals and just the little things that make a difference.”

Grider led the entire nation in scoring with an average 25-points per game. She also accumulated the following statistics: averaged 5.2 rebounds per game, 30 blocks, 88 steals, led the Chargers with 70 three-pointers, and was second on the team with 103 assists.

“Liz has been huge for us,” said Head Coach Mike Power. “She has great talent and it has helped put Briar Cliff back on the map.”

Grider’s success at Briar Cliff has earned them a bid for the National Tournament just down the street at the Tyson Event Center. Sioux City has hosted the tournament since 1998, and 2010 becomes the first time both Sioux City colleges (Briar Cliff University and Morningside University) received a bid to play.

Grider first began playing basketball when she was in the sixth grade. She had spent her time playing hockey before then. The change of sports came when Grider was asked to play for an all-girls hockey team that was full of beginners.

“I didn’t want to play with girls that were just learning how to skate,” Grider said. “So I figured, I played basketball at the black top with the boys, I might as well give it a shot because it was more competitive.”

Grider has not lost that competitiveness over the years. She continues her success at Briar Cliff and brings high hopes to the Charger fans for this year’s tournament. Her competitiveness gives Grider a winner’s mentality.

“I hate to lose. I step on to the court and all I’m thinking is: here’s another win and time to shine.”