Four College of the Desert Women's Basketball players were recently named to the 2020 California Community College Women's Basketball Coaches Association (3CWBCA) Academic All-State Team.

To view the complete list of honorees, click HERE

Those named to the Academic All-State Team include: Freshman guard Annabelle Amador (Indio Shadow Hills), freshman forward Dakota De La Torre (Indio H.S.), freshman guard Geraldine Padua (Indio Shadow Hills) and freshman guard Miranda Kelly (La Quinta H.S).

Amador (3.77 GPA), who also plays outfield for the COD Softball team, played in 26 of 27 Basketball games during the 2019-20 season, starting 11 of those games, finishing third on the team in 3-point shooting percentage and free throw shooting percentage. She also played in 16 Softball games for the Roadrunners during the COVID shortened 2020 season. In an interview with IEAC.com, Roadrunners Women's Basketball coach Kendyl Rizea commented, "'Having to compete in two sports takes a lot of discipline and is quite challenging,' states Rizea. '(Amador) has met every challenge in stride and with grace. Her characteristics and the ability to juggle two sports on top of a strong academic performance is a testament to her self-discipline and dedication.'" Amador, who goes by the nickname "Ana-Baller," had four double-digit scoring games over the course of the 19-20 season, with her best game on January 11, 2020 at home versus the Barstow Vikings, where Amador scored 13 points.

De La Torre (3.74 GPA), who sang the National Anthem at every Roadrunners home game, played in 22 Basketball games during the 2019-20 season, starting 3 of those games. Coach Rizea continued her comments with IEAC.com, stating, "'Dakota is someone that has bought into the values and ethics of our program,' adds Rizea. 'I am most proud of her for the constant support she provides her teammates. She also is a tremendous singer and has a love for music.'"

Padua (3.68 GPA), played in played in 26 of 27 Basketball games during the 2019-20 season, starting 25 of those games, finishing second on the team in points scored (227) and leading the team on free throws converted (66). Coach Rizea continued her comments with IEAC.com, stating, "'She always leads by example on and off the court,' states Rizea. 'She is someone we depend on and always brings a presence of calm in the program.'" Padua, had 12 double-digit scoring games, including two 20+ scoring games, over the course of the 19-20 season, with her best game on January 20, 2020 at home versus the Chaffey Panthers, where Padua scored 22 points.

Kelly (3.68 GPA), played in played in 24 of 27 Basketball games during the 2019-20 season, starting 17 of those games, leading the team in three-point shooting percentage and finishing fourth on the team in total rebounds. Coach Rizea continued her comments with IEAC.com, stating, "'We could always count on Miranda to be in the right place at the right time,' states head coach Rizea. 'She embodies hard work and a positive attitude, which was both evident with the accolades she is receiving.'" Kelly, had three double-digit scoring games over the course of the 19-20 season, with her best game on February 19, 2020 at the Chaffey Panthers, where Kelly scored 13 points.

To qualify for Academic All-State recognition these student-athletes had to compete for a year at their colleges, earn at least 24 units of credit and maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Amador, De La Torre, Padua & Kelly were four of only 116 women to receive the honor across the entire state.

To read further coverage of the All-State Team from the Inalnd Empire Athletic Conference, click HERE

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information, Photo & Story provided by COD Sports Information.