After three preseason all-Mid-American Conference accolades, senior Emily Maggert will be in the discussion for the MAC Player of the Year award — even if she is not concerned about winning it.
"I'm really not too worried about it to be honest," the Ball State forward said. "I just want to go out there and play the best for my team and get as many wins as possible."
Maggert, or the "Walking Double-Double" as her teammates and coaches call her, said being MAC Player of the Year is a goal, but it is not her focus this season.
She said she would rather have a MAC championship and the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament than the individual recognition.
"It would be amazing to be considered the best player in the MAC," Maggert said. "But like I said, I would rather have a championship ring and go into the NCAA Tournament."
Maggert said another reason why she gets uncomfortable talking about the award is because she does not like to be put on a pedestal. It's that kind of humility and team-first attitude that has led her to being one of Ball State's leaders.
Coach Kelly Packard said the winner is ultimately decided by the performance of the team.
Maggert echoed her coach's words.
"The team's record does have a factor in it," Maggert said. "If your team doesn't get past the first round in the MAC Tournament, you won't be considered. Your teammates also do have a major role in it, too, because they are the people getting me the ball inside. Obviously without them, I wouldn't even be considered for the award."
Her task to win MAC Player of the Year will not be an easy one, as two-time MAC Player of the Year Lauren Prochaska from Bowling Green returns for her senior season. To make it more difficult, Prochaska was named to the Naismith preseason watch list for this season.
Other players in the MAC that could contend for the award include Kara Murphy from Akron, Naama Shafir from Toledo and Marke Freeman from Northern Illinois.
Even though Maggert knows she will be in the race for the MAC Player of the Year, her focus this season will to be a team player and have the best season she can.
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