Buena Vista, VA - The USA South Athletic Conference announced its selection for the Rita Wiggs Woman of the Year Award on Wednesday afternoon. Sydney Bassett, who majored in biochemistry and is a women's volleyball alumna, became Southern Virginia University's second-ever recipient of the prestigious award.

Each year, the USA South honors one graduating female and one male as the conference's student-athletes of the year. The women's award pays homage to former USA South Commissioner Rita Wiggs, a relentless advocate for women's collegiate athletics and consistent example of service to one's community.

The men's award is named after the late Don Scalf, a legendary coach and professor at N.C. Wesleyan who is also a founding father of the League. Tristen Melvin of Methodist, an academic standout and the reigning USA South Baseball Player of the Year garnered the men's award.

Southern Virginia University Director of Athletics, Josh Monsen, had this to say after the unveiling of the honorees.

"Winning the Rita Wiggs Award is a testament to Sydney's incredible dedication, leadership, and commitment both on and off the court. She exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete – balancing academic excellence, athletic achievement, and leadership in our community."

Each institution nominated one student-athlete for each award. Nominees were evaluated by their cumulative grade-point-average, athletic accomplishments, and service in the community. Bassett, a 2024 AVCA All-American, will also be the USA South's nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. More information on the award can be found here.

After news dropped of her selection, Bassett was quick to thank countless individuals for their support which she credits for her success.

"I'm incredibly honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Rita Wiggs Award. I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and constant encouragement in everything I pursued. To my coaches, Debby and Jon—your guidance, dedication, and faith in me pushed me to grow not only as a student and volleyball player, but also as a person.

To my teammates—thank you for being such a vital part of my journey. I'm lucky to have shared the court and so many memories with you. Finally, thank you to Southern Virginia University and the USA South Athletic Conference. Being a student-athlete has played a huge role in shaping who I am today."

During her four years at Southern Virginia University, Bassett was named to the Provost's List each semester and made the President's List on three occasions. She was also an Academic All-Conference honoree all four years.

On the court, Bassett enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in Southern Virginia women's volleyball history. She played an important role in three USA South championship squads and was named to an all-conference team each season. In 2021, she was named the USA South Rookie of the Year and in 2024 was named League MVP.

Debby Baker, Head Coach of the women's volleyball team, expressed enormous praise for her longtime captain.

"I am so happy for Sydney, she's very deserving of this award. I am so fortunate to have coached her as it has been an absolute joy to see her grow as a person. Sydney has been such a great leader for us and gave the team everything she had. Her leadership, compassion, and ability to make those around her better will impact our program for years. All of us that had the opportunity to work with her are blessed to have her as a part of our lives." 

During her senior season, Bassett surpassed the program's all-time record for kills, finishing with over 1,200 in her illustrious career. She was also named to the All-Region 6 First Team and was an AVCA Honorable Mention All-American.

Bassett participated in several service and leadership opportunities throughout the community. Notably, she served as team captain for three seasons, assisted in Habitat for Humanity projects, and helped with the Rockbridge Christmas Baskets each winter.

Bassett is the second Knight to receive the award, preceded by former teammate, Emma Steiger, who was the recipient after the 2022-2023 academic year. To view past honorees of the Don Scalf and Rita Wiggs Awards, click HERE.

For the most up-to-date information and details on the team, visit knightathletics.com, and follow @knightwvolleyball on Instagram.