By Emma Hicken, Leatherneck Athletic Communications
MACOMB, Ill.- Senior forward Mia Nicastro of the Western Illinois Leathernecks women's basketball team has been named one of five finalists for the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award, presented by Her Hoop Stats.
Nicastro becomes the first player in program history to be named a finalist for the award, which honors the top player in mid-major women's college basketball. The award is named after WNBA champion coach and former All-American Becky Hammon.
The senior has put together one of the most dominant seasons in program history, averaging 24.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game across 31 contests. Nicastro has also shot an efficient 52.2 percent from the field, 38.8 percent from three-point range, and 89.5 percent from the free-throw line, while adding 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
Nicastro has also made her mark in the conference, as well as at Western Illinois. She has earned OVC Player of the Year, All-OVC First Team, OVC Player of the Week honors six times this season, and also made the OVC All-Tournament team. Nicastro also hit 1,000 points in her time at WIU, and is ranked top 5 in the NCAA nationally for total points, points per goal, and field goals, while also being listed as AP's Player to Keep an Eye on.
"This is such an honor for Mia to make the final group for such a prestigious award," shared head coach JD Gravina, "When you look at her statistically, there is no doubt she is one of the top players in the nation at any level. Her raw numbers are so good, but when you look further at her percentages you see just how efficient she is. However, the best part of Mia is that she made everyone around her better, which is reflected in our team's success."
Nicastro leads the Leathernecks with 749 total points this season and has recorded multiple 30-point performances, including a season-high 37-point outing against Little Rock and a 36-point performance against SIUE. She has also been a force on the glass throughout the year, tallying double-digit rebounds in numerous games and anchoring the team on both ends of the floor.
Her consistency has been key to Western Illinois' success during the 2025–26 season, as the senior has scored 20 or more points in the majority of the team's games while serving as the focal point of the Leatherneck offense.
The Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award recognizes the top performer from conferences outside the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, and SEC. The winner of the 2026 award will be announced on April 1.
Nicastro's selection as a finalist further cements her place among the top players in mid-major women's basketball and highlights one of the most impactful seasons by a Leatherneck in recent history.
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