UK Star Clara Strack Earns More Honors

Strack named SEC Player of the Week and Naismith Trophy Late-Season Team

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Clara Strack, a junior center for the University of Kentucky women's basketball team, has continued her impressive season by earning Southeastern Conference Player of the Week honors and being named to the 2026 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Women's College Player of the Year Late-Season Team. Strack is averaging a double-double this season and is among the national leaders in several statistical categories.

Why it matters

Strack's continued recognition as one of the top players in college basketball highlights the strength of the Kentucky program and the individual excellence of this standout player. Her accolades could help boost her WNBA draft stock and bring more attention to the Wildcats as they push for a deep postseason run.

The details

Strack is averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.62 blocks, 1.96 assists and 1.3 steals per game this season. She has 13 double-doubles, which ranks 15th nationally. In Kentucky's recent wins over Texas A&M and Ole Miss, Strack averaged 22.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.0 assist while shooting 50% from the field. Against Ole Miss, she scored 28 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, becoming the first Kentucky player to record at least 28 points and 9 rebounds against an AP Top 15 team since 2021.

  • Strack was named SEC Player of the Week on February 17, 2026.
  • Strack was named to the 2026 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Women's College Player of the Year Late-Season Team on February 16, 2026.
  • Strack previously earned USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week honors on February 3, 2026 and November 25, 2025.
  • Strack was named SEC Player of the Week on November 25, 2025.

The players

Clara Strack

A 6-5 junior center for the University of Kentucky women's basketball team who is one of the top players in the country, leading the SEC in rebounds per game and ranking third nationally in blocks per game.

Rhyne Howard

A former Kentucky player who last recorded at least 28 points and 9 rebounds against an AP Top 15 team in 2021.

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What’s next

Kentucky will host South Carolina on March 1 for Senior Day, where Strack and the Wildcats will look to continue their strong season and push for a high NCAA Tournament seed.

The takeaway

Strack's continued excellence and national recognition underscores the depth of talent on the Kentucky women's basketball team and their potential to make a deep postseason run. Her versatility and impact on both ends of the floor make her one of the most valuable players in the country.