SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Graduate Aja Boyd and freshman Isys Grady earned Southern Conference Postseason Awards, the league announced on Tuesday. Grady was named to the All-Freshman team while Boyd was named to the All-Conference Second Team. Boyd was also named the 2022 Ann Lashley Inspiration Award winner.
 
Boyd made her return after missing 624 days due to a knee injury she sustained in the 2019-20 championship season. She made her anticipated return on Nov. 21 in the Spartans 68-47 win over Lenoir-Rhyne. She played 19 minutes and led the team with 16 points.
 
The Ann Lashley Inspiration Award is presented to a current women's basketball
player or coach at a Southern Conference institution who, when challenged by a
life-altering situation, used grace, perseverance, dedication and determination to
face the event and serve as a role model to give hope and inspiration to others in
similar situations.
 
Boyd on being named the Ann Lashley Inspiration Award winner
"There was a lot of days I didn't think I'd be here this year or be able to play on the floor again. I am just proud to have made it to the season and thankful I'm an inspiration to others and hopefully that people see my story they're inspired as well and that they can accomplish what they feel might not be possible."
 
Grady has been a force since she first stepped on the court. She leads the team with 260 points and set a career-high 19 points against Gardner-Webb. She has scored in double-digit figures 16 times this season. Grady has started in every game this season except one. The Ormond Beach, Fla., native is second on the team with 170 rebounds. Her 122 defensive rebounds leads the team and ranks seventh in the conference.
 
Grady on her impact on the team
"It's been a great experience. I love this program. I'm very happy with the impact that I have made and I want to say thank you to the SoCon for the recognition. I want to thank my teammates and my coaches, and it's been a good year."
 
On her growth as a player
"I've definitely gotten a sense of maturity, learning to grow quicker. Being played in positions where you have to lead. It's definitely made me more appreciative of the position I am put in, and I think I've embraced my role. I want to thank my coaches for that and my teammates, especially the other leaders on the team."
 
Coaches All-Southern Conference Women's Basketball Teams

Player of the Year
Tierra Hodges, Sr., F, Furman
 
Freshman of the Year
Erin Houpt, G, Mercer
 
Defensive Player of the Year
Shannon Titus, Gr., G/F, Mercer
 
Coach of the Year
Susie Gardner, Mercer
 
Ann Lashley Inspiration Award Winner
Aja Boyd, Gr., G/F, UNCG
 
First team
Tierra Hodges, Sr., Furman 
Amoria Neal-Tysor, Sr., Mercer 
Shannon Titus, Gr., Mercer 
Andrea Cournoyer, Jr., Samford
Jackie Carman, Sr., Wofford

Second team 
Tate Walters, So., Furman 
Jaron Dougherty, Sr., Mercer 
Aja Boyd, Gr., UNCG 
Abbey Cornelius, Jr., Chattanooga 
Lilly Hatton, Jr., Wofford 

All-defensive team
Shannon Titus, Gr., Mercer
Andrea Cournoyer, Jr., Samford
Abbey Cornelius, Jr., Chattanooga
Joi Reed, So., Western Carolina 
Reagan Rapert, Fr., Wofford
 
All-freshman team 
Niveya Henley, Furman
Erin Houpt, Mercer 
Isys Grady, UNCG
Sussy Ngulefac, Samford
Reagan Rapert, Wofford
 
SoCon Sports Media Association (SCSMA) All-Southern Conference Women's Basketball Teams

Player of the Year
Tierra Hodges, Sr., F, Furman
 
Co-Freshman of the Year
Erin Houpt, G, Mercer  
Sussy Ngulefac, C, Samford
 
Coach of the Year
Susie Gardner, Mercer
 
First team
Tierra Hodges, Sr., Furman
Amoria Neal-Tysor, Sr., Mercer 
Shannon Titus, Gr., Mercer 
Andrea Cournoyer, Jr., Samford
Jackie Carman, Sr., Wofford

Second team 
Grace Van Rij, Sr., Furman 
Tate Walters, So. Furman
Jaron Doughtery, Sr., Mercer 
Aja Boyd, Gr., UNCG
Abbey Cornelius, Jr., Chattanooga
Lilly Hatton, Jr., Wofford 

Third team 
Courtney Moore, Fr., ETSU 
Natalie Armstrong, Sr., Samford 
Sussy Ngulefac, Fr., Samford 
Niyah Lutz, Sr., Wofford 
Alexis Tomlin, Sr., Wofford  

All-freshman team 
Nigeria Harkless, Mercer 
Erin Houpt, Mercer 
Isys Grady, UNCG 
Sussy Ngulefac, Samford 
Reagan Rapert, Wofford 
 
 
SOCON TOURNAMENT
For information regarding the 2022 Ingles Southern Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships at Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville in Asheville, N.C., which will run from March 3-7, please visit: www.soconhoops.com. If you would like to purchase tickets, please contact the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250.