Pella’s Kelderman receives Gary Dirksen Achievement Award

Central College

PELLA—Central College women’s basketball guard Courtney Kelderman (senior, Pella) has received the 2014 Gary Dirksen Achievement Award.

Kelderman, a two-time letterwinner and Pella High School graduate, helped the Dutch to their winningest campaign since 2004. Central set program records with six straight wins to open the season and 142 3-point field goals led by Kelderman’s 54 triples, second-most all-time.

The 5-foot-9 guard played in all 25 games and finished as the team’s fourth-leading scorer with 7.8 points per game and added 2.6 rebounds, all while shooting 36.2 percent from distance. Kelderman’s game-winning 3-pointer in the 76-75 win over Luther Jan. 8 was one of the most exciting moments of the season.

“Courtney pieced together a very memorable senior campaign for the women’s basketball program,” coach Chelsea Petersen said. “In addition to her statistical accomplishments on the court, she also served as a team co-captain, organized team activities and served as a positive role model for members of the team.

“Courtney is a wonderful ambassador of Central College and is an ideal recipient for the Gary Dirksen award. She embodies the characteristics the award was created to honor. The coaching staff and team are thrilled for her recognition.”

Named for a Central graduate, long-time college administrator and ardent supporter of Dutch Athletics, the Gary Dirksen Achievement Award is presented to a player who strives to achieve at a high level on and off the court. Consideration is given to the player’s academic efforts, as well as attempts to serve in leadership roles on campus and through community involvement.

The Dutch finished 11-14 overall with two Iowa Conference wins in the season’s final 10 days. Nine letterwinners are slated to return for the 2014-15 season.