Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon Makes History, Wins Maxwell and Lisa Leslie Awards

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, but the program reached a new level of excellence with the recent historic accomplishment of junior forward Cotie McMahon. McMahon, who has been a standout player for the Buckeyes, made history by becoming only the second player in Ohio State women’s basketball history to win both the prestigious Maxwell Award and the Lisa Leslie Award in the same season. These honors, bestowed upon the top player in women’s college basketball, solidify McMahon’s place among the most elite players in the country.

The journey of Cotie McMahon is a story of resilience, hard work, and immense talent, and her remarkable achievements on the court are an inspiration to aspiring athletes. As she continues to dominate in the NCAA, her ability to win both of these prestigious awards highlights the extent of her influence, not just within Ohio State, but on the national stage.

A Historic Achievement: The Maxwell and Lisa Leslie Awards

The Maxwell Award, named after legendary football coach and athletic administrator Robert “Bob” Maxwell, is an honor traditionally given to the best collegiate basketball player in the nation. It is one of the most coveted individual awards in the sport and has long been associated with excellence on the court. Past recipients of the Maxwell Award include players such as Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and more recently, Caitlin Clark.

The Lisa Leslie Award, named after the Hall of Fame forward who is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time, is awarded annually to the best center in NCAA women’s basketball. Leslie’s legacy as a dominant force in the women’s game – both at the collegiate and professional levels – has inspired countless players, and her award now recognizes the top player in the nation who exemplifies excellence at the center position.

Cotie McMahon’s ability to win both of these awards in the same season is a testament to her versatile and exceptional skill set. Winning the Maxwell Award places her in the company of the most elite players in college basketball, while winning the Lisa Leslie Award further underscores her dominance as a player capable of playing multiple positions at an incredibly high level.

For McMahon, this dual recognition is a historic milestone, not only in her personal career but also in the history of Ohio State’s women’s basketball program. She becomes the second player in the program’s history to win both awards, joining a select group of women who have achieved such a feat. The last player to do so was the legendary Jantel Lavender, who claimed both honors back in 2011. With McMahon’s victory, Ohio State solidifies its standing as one of the premier programs in women’s basketball.

The Road to Success: Cotie McMahon’s Journey

Cotie McMahon’s journey to greatness began long before she donned the scarlet and gray of Ohio State. Growing up in the small town of Cincinnati, Ohio, McMahon was a basketball prodigy. Her natural talent and athleticism were evident from a young age, but it was her work ethic and determination that set her apart from other players. From the moment she picked up a basketball, McMahon knew that she wanted to make a name for herself on the court.

Her high school career at Mount Notre Dame High School was nothing short of exceptional. She was a key player for the Mount Notre Dame Cougars, leading them to a state championship in 2020 and earning numerous accolades along the way. During her high school years, McMahon’s scoring, rebounding, and leadership abilities helped elevate her to a national level. She was ranked as one of the top players in the class of 2021 and received offers from some of the best programs in the country. Ultimately, McMahon chose Ohio State, a decision that would prove to be pivotal in her development as a player.

McMahon’s freshman year at Ohio State was marked by a strong debut, but it was during her sophomore year that she truly began to show her potential. In her second season with the Buckeyes, McMahon emerged as a key player, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Her ability to dominate in the paint, combined with her ability to stretch the floor and shoot from distance, made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. She earned All-Big Ten honors and was named a key player to watch on the national stage.

But it was her junior season that cemented her legacy. McMahon elevated her game to another level, becoming one of the top players in the nation. Her ability to score efficiently from all areas of the floor, dominate the glass, and defend at a high level made her an unstoppable force. Whether it was her high-scoring games, her clutch performances in key moments, or her ability to make her teammates better, McMahon proved to be one of the most versatile and well-rounded players in the country.

Throughout her career at Ohio State, McMahon has exemplified the qualities that made her a two-time award winner: leadership, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure. Her coach, Kevin McGuff, has praised her work ethic and dedication, noting that her commitment to improving has been one of the driving forces behind her success. McGuff said, “Cotie has always been a player who puts the team first and is willing to do whatever it takes to help us win. Her growth as a player over the past few years has been incredible, and she fully deserves these honors.”

McMahon’s Impact on Ohio State Women’s Basketball

McMahon’s historic achievements have brought national attention to Ohio State women’s basketball, which has long been a respected program in the Big Ten Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Kevin McGuff, Ohio State has consistently been a contender in both the Big Ten and the NCAA Tournament. However, McMahon’s individual accolades have helped elevate the program to new heights, with the Buckeyes now firmly entrenched as one of the top teams in the country.

Beyond her on-court performance, McMahon has become a role model for young players, especially women in the sport. Her leadership, humility, and commitment to her team have made her a fan favorite at Ohio State and beyond. The Buckeyes’ success is also a testament to the strong culture of the program, which emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic. McMahon’s presence in Columbus has further solidified Ohio State as a destination for top-tier talent, and her legacy will inspire future generations of players.

The Significance of the Maxwell and Lisa Leslie Awards

Winning the Maxwell and Lisa Leslie Awards in the same season is a monumental achievement, not only for McMahon but also for women’s college basketball as a whole. These awards represent more than just individual success; they symbolize the growth of women’s sports and the increasing recognition of female athletes at the highest levels of competition.

For McMahon, receiving these honors is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in women’s basketball and places her among the greatest players in the sport’s history. The Maxwell Award, in particular, is often dominated by players from men’s basketball, making it a rare and significant accomplishment for a woman to earn the distinction.

The Lisa Leslie Award, too, carries immense prestige and significance. Named after one of the sport’s all-time greats, it honors players who excel in all facets of the game, particularly in the center position. McMahon’s ability to win both awards speaks to her versatility as a player and her ability to excel in multiple areas of the game, from scoring to rebounding to defense.

The impact of these awards extends beyond McMahon’s personal career. It underscores the growing recognition and respect for women’s college basketball, as the game continues to attract more attention from fans, media, and sponsors alike. The success of players like McMahon plays a key role in advancing the profile of women’s sports, and her historic season is just one example of the progress that continues to be made in the world of athletics.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cotie McMahon?

As Cotie McMahon’s college career continues to evolve, her potential seems limitless. With two of the most prestigious individual awards under her belt, McMahon is poised to continue her ascent in the world of women’s basketball. Whether she decides to pursue a professional career in the WNBA or continue to build on her success at Ohio State, her legacy is already firmly established.

Her time at Ohio State is far from over, and there are sure to be many more milestones and achievements in her future. McMahon’s leadership on and off the court will continue to inspire young players, while her incredible talent will undoubtedly lead the Buckeyes to even greater success. As the Buckeyes prepare for another season of competition, Cotie McMahon’s name will continue to be synonymous with excellence, and her place in the history of Ohio State women’s basketball is secure.

Cotie McMahon’s historic achievement of winning both the Maxwell Award and the Lisa Leslie Award is a testament to her extraordinary talent, dedication, and hard work. As one of the most decorated players in women’s college basketball, McMahon has set a new standard for excellence and has established herself as one of the brightest stars in the sport. Her accomplishments will inspire future generations of athletes, and her impact on Ohio State women’s basketball will be felt for years to come.

With her name etched into the record books, Cotie McMahon’s journey is far from over. The best is yet to come for this remarkable athlete, and the future of women’s basketball looks brighter than ever thanks to players like her.