Connecticut recruit Katie Lou Samuelson named the 2015 Morgan Wootten Player of the Year

The McDonald’s All American Games and Hall of Fame Coach and Selection Committee Chair, Morgan Wootten named Connecticut recruit Katie Lou Samuelson as the girl’s 2015 Morgan Wootten Player of the Year The award recognizes the best McDonald’s All American player for their accomplishments on and off the court.

“I am truly grateful to receive the Morgan Wootten Player of the Year award,” said Sameulson. “It is an honor to be associated with the list of great players who have won this award before me and receive an award from a coach who has accomplished so much on and off the court.”

Samuelson is a 6-3 standout wing from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. She is the first female player from California to earn the award and the 14th overall female winner, joining the ranks of Taya Reimer (2013), Breanna Stewart (2012), Elena Delle Donne (2008), Maya Moore (2007), Tina Charles (2006), Candace Parker (2004) and Ivory Latta (2003) among others. Samuelson takes home the honor over finalists De’Janae Boykin (Charles H. Flowers High School – Springdale, Maryland), Kalani Brown (Salmen High School – Slidell, Louisiana), Naphessa Collier (Incarnate Word Academy – St. Louis, Missouri), Asia Durr (St. Pius X Catholic High School – Atlanta, Georgia) and Arike Ogunbowale (Divine Savior Holy Angels High School – Milwaukee, Wisconsin).

She will receive the award at a presentation on March 31 in Chicago. On April 1 she will take to the court at the 2015 McDonald’s All American Games at Chicago’s United Center. The Girls Game begins at 5:30 p.m. CT.