EIU's Abby Wahl Named Female Newcomer Of Year

Freshman women’s basketball forward Abby Wahl has been named the Eastern Illinois Female Newcomer of the Year for the 2018-19 academic year  The award is presented by the athletic department to the top newcomer (freshman or transfer) for their athletic success during the most recent academic year.  A list of finalists is announced each April and then voted on following the conclusion of the athletic year.
 
Wahl, from Lincoln City, Ind., played in 27 games as a freshman making 13 starts late in the season.  She became one of the Panthers primary post players averaging 6.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.  She had five of her six double figure games during OVC play with a season high 16 points against SIUE going 6-of-9 from the field.  Wahl ended the season shooting 49.6 percent from the floor.  She would earn OVC Freshman of the Week honors one time during the season.  Wahl was part of the women’s basketball program that increased its season win total by eight games over last season, marking the third biggest turnaround in program history.  
 
Wahl was one of five finalists this year for the EIU Female Newcomer of the Year Award.  She was joined on the list by Megan Adams from cross country/track, Bailey Chandler from volleyball, Kristen Dowell from track and Jessica Harris from swimming.  The EIU Male Senior Athlete of the Year will be announced on June 13.