Salem State’s Carter finalist for prestigious award

Rachael Carter, a senior guard on the Salem State women’s basketball team, has been selected as one of the 10 national finalists for the prestigious Jostens Trophy. The award, created by the Rotary Club of Salem, Va., honors the most outstanding men’s and women’s NCAA Division III basketball players of the year. The award takes into account three vital parts: basketball ability, academic prowess and community service. The trophy models the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self” by recognizing those who fit the ideal of the well-rounded NCAA Division III student-athlete. This year’s class marks the 18th year the award has been presented.
Carter, a senior guard, was a member of the All-Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference First Team, concluded her career as Salem State’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,719 points. She was a four-time MASCAC Player of the Week honoree and a two-time New England Women’s Basketball Player of the Week, and ECAC Co-Player of the Week selection. Carter, from Merrimack, N.H., led the conference in scoring with 19.4 points per game, and was second in the league in rebounding with 10.9 per game while leading the MASCAC with 17 double-doubles.
A nursing major with a 3.40 GPA, Carter has participated in many community service activities throughout her career. A volunteer with Special Olympics and a volunteer referee and coach for Salem State’s annual Special Olympics basketball tournament. She has also served as a mentor with Girls Inc. of Lynn, and with the annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day event held each February. The awards presentation is scheduled for March 19 at the Salem Civic Center in conjunction with the NCAA Division III men’s basketball semifinals and championship in Salem, Va., on March 20-21.