Clara Strack Named Top Five Finalist for Lisa Leslie Center of the Year and USA Today All-America Second Team

The University of Kentucky junior center is having a standout season, leading her team in multiple statistical categories.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:30pm

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Clara Strack, a 6-5 junior center for the University of Kentucky women's basketball team, has been named one of the top five finalists for the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year award. Strack was also selected to the USA Today All-America Second Team. Last season, she was named to the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Top 10, and this is her first time being named a top five finalist. The USA Today All-America nod is also her first.

Why it matters

Strack's recognition as a top center in the nation and selection to the prestigious USA Today All-America team highlights her standout individual performance this season. As a key player for the University of Kentucky, her achievements bring positive attention to the program and women's basketball in the state.

The details

Strack is leading her team in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals, averaging 17.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.58 blocks, 1.82 assists, and 1.21 steals per game in 33 starts this season. She is the only player in the nation to average all of those numbers, and she has also made 23 3-pointers.

  • The Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Finalist list was announced on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.
  • Strack was named to the USA Today All-America Second Team on the same day, March 12, 2026.

The players

Clara Strack

A 6-5 junior center for the University of Kentucky women's basketball team.

Lisa Leslie

A former WNBA player and Basketball Hall of Famer who the Center of the Year award is named after.

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What they’re saying

“Clara Strack is one of five players in the nation to be included on the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Finalist list.”

— Lisa Leslie (CBS Sports' We Need To Talk)

The takeaway

Strack's recognition as a top center in the nation and selection to the prestigious USA Today All-America team is a testament to her outstanding individual performance this season, which has brought positive attention to the University of Kentucky women's basketball program.