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Old Dominion Monarchs Excel in Sports and Academics

Old Dominion women's basketball team members celebrating their academic honors.

News Summary

In Norfolk, the Old Dominion Monarchs women’s basketball team has made headlines as three players were named to the 2024-25 Academic All-District Team. En’dya Buford, Brenda Fontana, and Kelsey Thompson not only showcased athletic talent on the court but also excelled academically with GPAs above 3.5. As they prepare for the WNIT, ODU is poised for a promising matchup against Navy, emphasizing the balance of athletic success and academic achievement.

Exciting News from Norfolk: Three Old Dominion Stars Shine Bright!

In the heart of Norfolk, the Old Dominion Monarchs are making waves, not just for their athletic prowess, but for their exceptional academic achievements as well! Three phenomenal players from the women’s basketball team have been honored with selection to the 2024-25 Academic All-District Women’s Basketball Team by College Sports Communicators. This recognition isn’t just for playing hard on the court; it celebrates the top student-athletes who excel academically, too!

Meet the Academic All-Stars

Let’s shine a light on the trio who have earned this prestigious honor: En’dya Buford, Brenda Fontana, and Kelsey Thompson. To qualify for this accolade, these talented ladies needed a solid cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and had to play in 90% of their games or start in at least 66% of them. Let’s break down their impressive accomplishments!

En’dya Buford: The Leader on and off the Court

En’dya Buford has been a powerhouse for Old Dominion, starting all 34 games and leading her team with an average of 13.1 points per game. She didn’t just settle for being a scoring machine; Bufford also showcased her defensive skills with a whopping 78 steals, ranking her second in the conference and an impressive 32nd in the nation. Topping that off, she led the Sun Belt with an average of 2.44 steals per game and recorded 136 assists throughout the season!

This communications major finished the season with a solid GPA of 3.51, not to mention her recent career-high of 32 points during a thrilling game against Arkansas State. With 23 games scoring in double figures and three double-doubles under her belt, Buford is also under consideration for the CSC Academic All-American ballot. Quite the resume!

Brenda Fontana: The Tower of Strength

Next up, we have Brenda Fontana. This dynamo played all 34 games, starting 33, and contributed significantly to the team, scoring 284 points—an average of 8.4 points per game. Fontana led her team in blocks with 27 and captured 154 rebounds. Her dedication didn’t stop there; she also recorded 30 assists and 40 steals. Scoring in double digits 14 times and achieving a career-high of 21 points against Coastal Carolina showcases her talent.

Pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity, Fontana flaunted an impressive GPA of 3.92. It’s easy to see why she’s received this distinction!

Kelsey Thompson: The All-Rounder

Last but certainly not least, we have Kelsey Thompson. She also started all 34 games and was a dynamic scorer with an average of 9.5 points per game. With 322 total points and an impressive tally of 161 rebounds, she certainly made her mark. Thompson achieved double digits in scoring 17 times, including two double-doubles, showcasing her skills both offensively and defensively.

A major in sports management, Thompson achieved a GPA of 3.67 and truly represents what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete.

What’s Next for the Monarchs?

As the Old Dominion women’s basketball team gears up for the first round of the 2025 Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT), excitement is in the air. The Monarchs (17-15 record) are set to face off against Navy on March 22 at 2 p.m. In their last match against Navy, ODU emerged victorious with a solid win of 63-42. They are hoping for another strong performance, particularly since they last faced Navy in the WNIT back in 2014, walking away as winners!

With Navy coming into this tournament with a record of 19-11, they recently experienced a loss to Holy Cross in the Patriot League Tournament. The upcoming match promises to be an exhilarating event, as Navy averages 66.8 points per game and boasts a scoring margin of +5.7.

As the Monarchs prepare, Coach DeLisha Milton-Jones has praised the team’s defensive strategies, which have proven effective in limiting their opponents’ scoring opportunities. All eyes will be on these talented athletes as they strive for victory!

That’s the latest buzz from Old Dominion, where academic excellence and sports performance go hand in hand. Go Monarchs!