NCAA Woman of the Year nominees have Havre ties

Being nominated for an award like the NCAA Female Athlete of the Year is no small thing. In fact, it’s a really big deal. And, this year’s list of nominees for the 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year not only have strong ties to Montana, but, strong family ties to Havre.

One of the nominees for the NCAA Woman of the Year is Montana State University basketball standout Jackie Elliot. The Billings Central High School product recently graduated with highest honors from MSU with a degree in mechanical engineering, after completing her playing eligibility at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season. Elliott was a four-year letterwinner, a starter and a team captain during her time with the Bobcats. She is ranked 14th on MSU’s all-time rebounding chart with 589 boards and is listed sixth all-time with 120 games played.

Of course, Elliot’s dad, is Jim Elliot, a Billings orthopedic surgeon who graduated from Havre High. Jim is the son of the late Dr. James Elliot and his late wife Kay.

Jackie, who had a phenomenal run with the Bobcats, on and off the basketball floor, isn’t the only daughter of Havre High grads to be nominated for the award either.

Navy swimmer Ellen Bradford, who recently competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, also has a mother and father who went to Havre High School. Bradford is the daughter of Jeff Bradford and Gwen (Korb) Bradford. Going farther back, Jeff’s parents, Jack Bradford (now of Kalispell) and Shirley Beresford (now of Australia), both taught for a lengthy period of time in the Havre Public School District.

Ellen Bradford graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy this spring. She is also 2015-16 Corvias Patriot League Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year and recently swam in the Olympic Trials in Omaha.  Bradford graduated from high school in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The NCAA Woman of the Year award honors graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academics, athletics, service and leadership. The top 30 honorees will be celebrated and the 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year winner will be announced at the annual award ceremony Oct. 16 in Indianapolis.