NKU’s Michelle Cottrell (22)

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Former Northern Kentucky University women’s basketball star Michelle Cottrell is a finalist for the NCAA Division II 25th Anniversary Team.

The 25th anniversary of NCAA women’s championships will be celebrated throughout the 2005-06 championship season. NCAA Division II women’s basketball began in 1981 and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary at the 2006 championship.

To commemorate this milestone, a 25th Anniversary Team consisting of five student-athletes and one coach will be named.

Cottrell finished her career as NKU’s all-time scoring leader with 2,241 points, and she was named Kodak NCAA Division II All-American three times. Cottrell also earned Division II Bulletin National Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior.

In addition, she was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year three times. Cottrell earned most outstanding player honors at the 2000 NCAA Division II Elite Eight after leading NKU to the national championship with an overtime victory against North Dakota State.

Cottrell finished her career with 48 double-doubles, and NKU advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight three times during her career.

NKU fans can vote for Cottrell by clicking the following: http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/womens/fanpolls/1012.

Vote at http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/womens/fanpolls/1012