Senior Nnenna Akotaobi was selected as a candidate for the 2008-09 Lowe’s Senior Class Award.

“I was taken aback,” said Akotaobi on her reaction to being nominated for this award.

“I’m honored and flabbergasted. It’s really an honor, and it’s kind of justifying your senior season and all the work you’ve put in throughout your career.”

The Thorton, Colo. native is one of 30 women’s basketball candidates nominated for the award, which focuses on the classroom, character, community and competition.

“That award is all about character,” said head coach Erik Johnson.

“Nnenna is a great student, she’s great in her community, she’s a great basketball player, she’s a great role model, she’s just a great human being. I couldn’t be happier that she was named to that really prestigious list.”

This award is presented annually to one NCAA Division-I student-athelete in nine different sports.

Winners will be selected by national balloting of head basketball coaches, national media and basketball fans.

Awards will be presented to the winners during the weekends of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four.

So far this season, Akotaobi has scored 68 points and is averaging 4.5 points per game.