Mississippi University for Women senior guard Rokila Wallace was named a first-team All-American by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
In addition, junior forward MG Chamberlain was selected second-team All-American, and Katie Beth Williams was named to the All-Academic Team.
Wallace and Chamberlain join former Owls standouts Qiayon Bailey (2018-19), Teaziah Hinkson (2018-19) and My’Neka Frazier (2019-20) as the only players to earn All-America honors from the USCAA.
Wallace, a graduate of Columbus High School, had what was arguably one of the finest seasons in the history of The W women’s basketball program. She averaged a team-leading 20.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game as a 5-foot-7 guard. She made a living at the free throw line, averaging 10.8 attempts and 7.7 makes per game for 70.3 percent.
Wallace scored in double figures in 15 of 16 games she played, including nine games of more than 20 points. She had a school-record 47 points on Nov. 23 at Birmingham-Southern College. Wallace had six double-doubles, with a season-best 14 rebounds Dec. 14 at LaGrange.
“To say Rokila had an outstanding season is a vast understatement,” Owls coach Drew Johnson said. “She probably had one of the best statistical seasons in the history of our program. She set some records that may not ever be broken and she made a mark here that will last forever.
“That mark goes well beyond numbers. To truly appreciate the player she is, you have to understand the person behind the numbers. After a two-year hiatus, when many would have just hung it up, Rokila refused to give up on her dream and made her way back to the court. And not as ‘just another player,’ but as arguably the most dominant force in the country.
“The most impressive thing, at least to me, is she did all of this while also doing the hardest job on earth: being a mother. I don’t think people understand or appreciate just how extraordinary that is. I hope her little girl knows that her mother is a superhero. I know for a fact she has made an impact on me that will stick with me for the rest of my life.”
Chamberlain also overcame tremendous odds, returning to the game for the first time in three seasons because of knee injuries.
The Brighton, Tennessee, native averaged 13.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Perhaps most impressive was that — on two bad legs — she averaged 32.7 minutes per game and started all 18 contests for an Owls’ team with a roster depleted by injuries and illnesses.
Chamberlain hit double-digit point totals 14 times, including a season-best 24 points at home against Crowley’s Ridge College. She had three double-double games, grabbing 15 rebounds Nov. 20 at Birmingham-Southern College.
“I get emotional when I talk about MG’s story,” Johnson said. “So many injuries. So many setbacks. So much pain, both physically and emotionally. The doctors didn’t believe in her knees; they told her she should never play again after the last knee injury. MG and her family were the only ones who still had faith that she could have a college basketball career.
“Throughout the season, I can honestly say she got better every single day, and it wasn’t by accident. She lives in that gym, and when she isn’t in there, she’s in the training room taking care of her body.”
Johnson said the two honorees are ideal role models.
“Both of these young ladies personify persistence and are glowing examples as to why people should never give up, no matter the adversity that befalls them,” he said. “They found ways to not only overcome their obstacles but also use them to catapult themselves into position to achieve great things.
“I hope that others will learn as much from their stories as I have from working with them every day. They don’t know it, but they have taught me so much.”
Williams, a senior healthcare management major at The W, earned her second USCAA All-Academic Team designation for women’s basketball. Williams also has one USCAA All-Academic Team honor for softball.
“Katie Beth is a young lady that you can always count on for maximum effort,” Johnson said. “She just works hard. She has a full-time job at a golf course back home, plays two college sports, and is a full-time honor-level student. She deserves this honor.”
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