INDIANAPOLIS - For the third-straight year, Macee Williams has been voted the Horizon League Preseason Player of the Year. The senior was also named to the Preseason All-Horizon League First Team. Junior Rachel McLimore was voted on to the Preseason All-Horizon League Second Team. The League announced the awards, voted on by the league's coaches, on Friday (Nov. 6). 

The Jaguars were also voted as the favorite in the preseason poll for the first time since joining the Horizon League after winning both the regular season and the Horizon League Tournament last year.

Williams enters the season as the two-time reigning Horizon League Player of the Year after averaging 17.5 points and nine rebounds a season ago. Williams scored in double-figures in 29 of the 31 games and in every game against a Horizon League opponent. The senior scored her 1,000th career point last season and currently sits in sixth place all-time in IUPUI history in scoring with 1,473 career points.

"Macee is an incredibly special player who continues to exceed expectations," said head coach Austin Parkinson. "I am really proud of her growth every single year and clearly she has the respect of those around the league."

McLimore earned preseason honors after a strong first season in the IUPUI program after transferring from DePaul. McLimore was named to the All-League Third Team last season after finishing second on the team in scoring at 10.9 points per contest. The redshirt junior also grabbed 3.5 rebounds per game and handed out over one assist per game.

"Rachel is one of the most difficult 1-on-1 matchups in the league because of her shiftiness in getting to the basket," said Parkinson. "We are excited about what is in store for her this upcoming year."

For the first time since joining the league, IUPUI found itself on top of the preseason poll, earning 144 points and 12 first place votes. Green Bay came in second in the poll with 120 points and Wright State was third with 118 points.

"We are excited about the opportunity to get back out on the floor and compete," said Parkinson. "We know this will be a challenging year in more ways than one, but this group is focused on getting better each and every day."   

IUPUI is scheduled to begin their Horizon League season with games against Purdue Fort Wayne on Dec. 12 and 13. 

2020-21  #HLWBB Preseason Poll
Pl.          Team – Pts. (First-place votes)
1.            IUPUI – 144 (12)
2.            Green Bay – 120
3.            Wright State – 118
4.            Northern Kentucky – 105
5.            Robert Morris – 88
6.            Youngstown State – 84
7.            Milwaukee – 76
8.            Cleveland State – 64
9.            Oakland – 54
10.         Detroit Mercy – 38
11.         Purdue Fort Wayne – 24
12.         UIC – 21
 
#HLWBB Preseason Player of the Year
Macee Williams, IUPUI
 
Preseason All-Horizon League First Team (alphabetical order by school)
Mariah White, Cleveland State
Macee Williams, IUPUI
Ally Niece, Northern Kentucky
Angel Baker, Wright State
Chelsea Olson, Youngstown State
 
Preseason All-Horizon League Second Team (alphabetical order by school)
Caitlyn Hibner, Green Bay
Rachel McLimore, IUPUI
Brandi Bisping, Milwaukee
Kahlaijah Dean, Oakland
Shamarre Hale, Wright State