Wright earns two All-American honors

Kiara Wright continues to make Tarleton State history by being the first player in school history to be named to the Daktronics NCAA Division II All-American first team. Wright was also one of 10 players in the nation named to the WBCA Coaches All-American team Monday.
“When a player is selected as an All-American by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, it is a tremendous honor,” said Tarleton head coach Ronnie Hearne. “The progress Kiara has made over the past three years is very rewarding to me as her coach and a member of the WBCA. Also, a lot of credit goes to Coach (Rod) Cole, Coach (Misty) Wilson and her teammates.”
Coach Hearne said he was proud of her NCAA All-American honors as well.
“It’s a tremendous honor for a special player,” Coach Hearne said. “It’s also an honor for our team, the athletic department and Tarleton State. It proves talent and hard work will be rewarded. I am proud and excited for Kiara.”
Wright led the TexAnns to their fourth straight NCAA regional tournament and the 10th straight Lone Star Conference Championship tourney.
She led the nation in rebounding with 14.0 boards per game and double-doubles with 24 - although Ashland’s Kari Daughtery has a chance to reach 25 if she records a double-double in all three games of the Elite Eight. Wright was also second in the nation in field goal percentage (.608) and 21st in scoring (18.6 ppg).
In addition to the All-American status, Wright also earned Regional Player of the Year and LSC Player of the Year honors as well as first-team All-Region and All-Conference and LSC Co-Defensive Player of the Year recognition.
She is the second TexAnn in school history to earn any kind of All-American honor, joining her former teammate Shelby Adamson who was named honorable mention All-American in 2011.
Wright was also the first player in school history to win the conference and region Player of the Year awards.
She is a graduate of Pittsburg High School, and the daughter of Tameika Wright of Pittsburg.