West Central Reporter

Raegan McCowan, a junior guard for the Western Illinois University women's basketball team, has been named to the 2026 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award Watch List. The list, announced by Her Hoop Stats, recognizes 25 of the top mid-major women's basketball players across the country ahead of the upcoming season.

The Becky Hammon Award, first given in 2020, is named after former Colorado State standout and WNBA star Becky Hammon. It honors outstanding players from programs outside of the Power Five conferences. The award aims to highlight athletes from 26 mid-major conferences, excluding the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, and SEC.

Head coach JD Gravina commented on McCowan's recognition, stating, "It is a huge accomplishment for Raegan to be recognized as one of the top mid-major players in the nation, and even more impressive to do it as a junior. The Becky Hammon award is the premier honor for mid-major players, so to make the watch list really puts Raegan and our program on the map."

This year's watch list includes players from 19 teams across 12 conferences, with five programs having multiple players selected. McCowan's selection adds another achievement to her career at Western Illinois as she continues to be recognized among the top mid-major players nationally.

Athletic Director Paul A. Bubb said, "This is a great honor, not only for Raegan but also for Western Illinois and the Ohio Valley Conference. Raegan is as much of a total player as you could ask for, on and off the court, and to be recognized and associated with the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year is very special and a deserved honor."

The process for the Becky Hammon Award will continue with a 15-player midseason watch list in January, followed by 10 semifinalists in February and five finalists in March. The winner will be announced around the time of the NCAA Final Four.

Becky Hammon was a three-time All-American at Colorado State before her Hall of Fame career in the WNBA. She is currently head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, leading them to championships in 2022, 2023, and 2025.

Fans can find more information about Western Illinois University women's basketball at GoLeathernecks.com or follow the team on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.