Three-Pillar Candidate: Maura Muensterman

Each season, Gatorade recognizes one student-athlete from each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. who embodies its Player of the Year program’s three pillars: athletic production, academic achievement and exemplary character.

Each week during its Gatorade State Player of the Year selection process, USA TODAY surfaces one candidate who meets those criteria and deserves recognition as a serious Gatorade State Player of the Year contender.

Name: Maura Muensterman
School: Mater Dei (Evansville, Ind.)
Sport: Girls Basketball
Class: Junior

Athletic Production: Muensterman sank the game-winning jumper with 0.2 seconds left in overtime of a 56-52 Class 2A state title win over Bishop Luers (Fort Wayne, Ind.) as a sophomore last season. This winter, the 5-foot-11 junior forward averages 25.2 points, 8.5 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 3.2 steals for the Wildcats (18-2). Unfortunately, she has not played Mater Dei’s last five games due to a sprained right ankle that will force her to miss the rest of the regular season.

Academic Achievement: She has maintained an A average in the classroom.

Exemplary Character: Muensterman has volunteered locally as part of fundraisers to benefit the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, with the Special Olympics and as a peer tutor at Mater Dei.