McIntyre, Bolden, and Brown Shine as Academic All-District Honorees
FARMVILLE, Va. — The Longwood University women’s basketball program is beaming with pride as three of its rising stars—Kiki McIntyre, Jaci Bolden, and Malea Brown—have earned a prestigious spot on the 2024-25 Academic All-District® NCAA Division I women’s basketball team. This honor, bestowed by the College Sports Communicators, recognizes the dual excellence of student-athletes, both on the hardwood and in the classroom.
A Trio of Academic and Athletic Excellence
Kiki McIntyre: The Defensive Dynamo
Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, Kiki McIntyre has not only excelled in her academics, boasting a 3.89 GPA in criminology alongside a 3.65 GPA in her MBA program, but she has also made an indelible mark on the court. Starting 32 of 34 games, McIntyre has remarkably averaged 9.9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game. Her impressive achievements culminated in her being named the Big South Defensive Player of the Year and a second-team all-conference selection. Notably, she shattered both the Longwood and Big South single-season steals records, finishing the season with a jaw-dropping 130 steals.
Jaci Bolden: The Promising Junior
Next on the list is Jaci Bolden, a dedicated junior from Conyers, Georgia. Balancing her studies in psychology with her athletic commitments, Bolden has maintained a 3.53 GPA. Over the course of 33 games, she contributed valuable minutes, averaging 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. In a standout season, she recorded double-digit points in two games and showcased her defensive prowess by stealing the ball three times on two occasions.
Malea Brown: The Steal Machine
Rounding out this trio of academic athletes is Malea Brown, a senior from Putnam Hall, Florida, who is set to graduate with a stellar 3.98 GPA in business administration. Notably, Brown was the only Longwood player to start all 34 games this season. She made a significant impact on both ends of the court, averaging 9.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game. Her tenacity on defense positions her among the nation’s elite, ranking 25th in total steals and 32nd in steals per game at 2.47.
A Legacy of Academic and Athletic Achievement
To qualify for the Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and demonstrate significant contributions to their teams. This year’s recognition showcases the quality of talent that Longwood University is cultivating, with all three players now advancing to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® ballot. The final roster will be announced at a later date, and fans eagerly await the results.
A Word on Longwood’s Remarkable Season
In addition to their individual accolades, the Longwood Lancers had a historical season, finishing with a 22-12 overall record, matching their best Division I record in program history. The squad made a strong showing by reaching the Big South championship game and also qualifying for the Triple Crown Sports Postseason WNIT, marking their third postseason appearance in the Division I era.
These achievements not only reflect the dedication of the players to their sports but also to their academic pursuits, reaffirming that excellence in athletics and academia can indeed go hand in hand.
For more detailed information, you can view the Complete CSC Release (PDF).
Conclusion
As McIntyre, Bolden, and Brown continue to break records and set high standards, they pave the way for future student-athletes. Their achievements underscore the importance of balancing athletics with academic rigor—a testament to their hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
