MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois senior forward Mia Nicastro has been named to the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Midseason Watch List, as announced by Her Hoop Stats on Wednesday.

The Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award recognizes the top player in women's basketball from the nation's mid-major conferences. Nicastro is one of just 15 players nationally selected to the midseason watch list, representing 13 different conferences.

Nicastro has been a driving force for the Leathernecks throughout the 2025–26 season, emerging as one of the most consistent scorers in the country. The senior forward currently ranks among the NCAA leaders in scoring and total points, while anchoring Western Illinois on both ends of the floor. Her ability to score inside, draw contact, and convert at the free-throw line has made her a matchup problem for opponents throughout the season.

In addition to her scoring production, Nicastro has provided veteran leadership for the Leathernecks, helping guide a young roster through conference play. Her presence in the paint, rebounding ability, and defensive effort have played a key role in Western Illinois' success this season.

The Becky Hammon Award was first presented in 2020 and is named in honor of the Colorado State All-American, six-time WNBA All-Star, and current Las Vegas Aces head coach. The award's semifinalists will be announced in February, followed by finalists in early March, with the winner revealed around the NCAA Final Four.

Nicastro's inclusion on the watch list marks another milestone in an outstanding senior season and adds to Western Illinois' growing presence on the national stage.

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