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Nebraska’s Alexis Markowski Wins 2024–25 Naismith Trophy, Cementing Her Place Among the Game’s Greats
In a groundbreaking announcement that reverberated across the college basketball world, ESPN confirmed today that Nebraska center Alexis Markowski has been awarded the 2024–25 Naismith Trophy, the most prestigious individual honor in women’s college basketball. The announcement cements Markowski’s name alongside legends like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A’ja Wilson.
The senior standout delivered a historic season, averaging 23.4 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game while leading the Cornhuskers to their deepest NCAA Tournament run in program history — a stunning Final Four appearance that captivated the nation. Known for her powerful post presence, silky footwork, and relentless motor, Markowski was the undeniable centerpiece of a Nebraska team that defied expectations all season long.
“She’s a generational player,” said Head Coach Amy Williams. “Alexis didn’t just dominate stat sheets — she lifted an entire program. Her leadership, grit, and passion transformed this team and inspired every player in our locker room.”
Markowski’s journey to this crowning moment is steeped in both talent and perseverance. The Lincoln native arrived at Nebraska with the pressure of legacy — her father, Danny Markowski, was a standout athlete in his own right — but Alexis quickly forged her own path. As a freshman, she was Big Ten Freshman of the Year. As a sophomore and junior, she earned All-Big Ten First Team honors. But it was her senior season where she ascended to superstardom.
From her 30-point double-double against Iowa in January, to her game-winning tip-in over UConn in the Elite Eight, Markowski’s highlights became must-watch material. She not only dominated in the paint but also expanded her range, adding a reliable midrange jumper and even knocking down threes with confidence — something she had worked on tirelessly during the offseason.
What separated Markowski from her peers this year was not just statistical dominance, but her ability to take over games when it mattered most. Down the stretch, she recorded 12 consecutive double-doubles, including a jaw-dropping 26-point, 19-rebound performance against South Carolina in the Final Four.
“Every time we needed a play, Alexis delivered,” said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “She brought the fire of a true competitor and the skill set of a pro-ready star.”
Now with the Naismith Trophy in her hands, Markowski’s future looks even brighter. WNBA scouts have her projected as a top-three pick in the 2025 Draft, and her legacy in Lincoln is secure — a homegrown hero who put Nebraska women’s basketball on the national map.
“This means everything,” Markowski said at the award ceremony. “Not just for me, but for Nebraska. This is for every girl who’s ever dreamed of making it big from a small town.”
Alexis Markowski didn’t just win an award. She rewrote history, and in doing so, ensured her name would never be forgotten in the annals of women’s college basketball.
