Clara Strack Improves to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Late-Season Team

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Clara Strack improved to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Late-Season Team, it was announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club on Thursday.

Just fifteen women’s players were named to the esteemed list.

While she ranks second in the Southeastern Conference and fourth in the nation in blocks (75) and blocks per game (2.68), she also leads the SEC and is 23rd in the nation in defensive rebounds (7.3). She recently reset her own single-season school record in blocks, currently with 75, while she also became the only player in program history to have two seasons with at least 70 blocks.

But more than stats, it’s her length and footwork that force opponents to take altered shots.

The Wildcat’s versatility takes center stage on every scouting report.

Through 28 games in 2025-26, Strack is averaging 16.5 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game (19th in the nation), 1.96 assists per game, 2.68 blocks per game (fourth in the nation), 1.32 steals per game and has made 17 3s.

• She is the only player in the nation averaging all of those stats.
• She is the only player in the nation with at least 16.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg and 2.0 bpg.
• She is one of three players in the nation (and the only payer in Power 4) with at least 16.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg and 17 3s.
• She is one of four players in the nation (and the only player in Power 4) with at least 16.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg and 1.96 apg.
• She is one of six players in the nation (and the only player in the Power 4) with at least 16.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg and 1.3 spg.

Strack has 13 double-doubles in 2025-26, which is 17th in the nation, and her 28 double-doubles in her UK career are fifth in all-time program history. Since the start of last season – her first season at UK – the team is 24-4 when she records a double-double.

The Wildcat’s season highs this season include 33 points (at Arkansas), three 3FGM (2x last Florida), 16 rebounds (USC Upstate), seven assists (Vanderbilt), four steals (at Miami) and seven blocks (Hofstra).

She also has a team-high six 20+ point games this season.

Strack is the only player in Division I to have at least 940 points, 590 rebounds, 140 blocks, 130 assists and 60 steals since the start of last season (her first season at UK).

For more information on the Kentucky women’s basketball team, visit UKathletics.com or follow @KentuckyWBB on X, Instagram, and Facebook.