Bridget Linton

Whether she’s hitting the hardwood or hitting the books, Rachel Tecca has had incredible success on and off the court this basketball season.

Tecca is no stranger to victory. As a graduate from Archbishop Hoban high school, Tecca was the all-time leading scorer, led her team to four consecutive conference titles and three sectional championships, and then went on to advance to the regional tournament her sophomore and junior years.

Tecca brought her talents to The University of Akron and continued to be a strong asset not only on the basketball court, but in the classroom as well.

In 2010 alone, Tecca was the MAC sixth player of the year and made the MAC All-Freshman Team. In 2011, she went on to earn Capital One Academic All-District Third Team and All-MAC First Team. On Tuesday, Tecca was named the MAC Player of the Year.

“I am a very dedicated and motivated person,” Tecca said. “I always strive to do my best in the classroom and on the basketball court.”

Tecca said that her greatest influence is her dad.

“He played basketball at Hoban and The College of Wooster, so I always look up to him for advice. He has taught me a lot throughout my basketball career,” she said.

Tecca has served not only as a leader, but as a strong player for the Zips for the past three years. However, in December of 2012, Tecca was struck with an unexpected tragedy.

“I tore my ACL during a basketball game at Duquesne,” Tecca said. “I jump-stopped by the basket, my knee shifted over, and I fell to the ground. Immediately, I knew something bad happened. It was really devastating at first. I could not believe it happened to me, but I knew I had to stay positive because I had a long road of recovery ahead.”

Tecca did just that. With the support from her family and team, the nine months of work during her recovery has her back on top of her game.

“I think the most important thing is persistence,” Tecca said. “A lot of the exercises were very tedious and repetitive, so it’s important to stay motivated. I am so grateful to have worked with such a great trainer, Brett Draper. He worked with me and encouraged me every day.”

Tecca’s recovery has helped her team make history as they claimed their first ever Mid-American Conference East Division title. That’s not the first time she has set records.

Tecca has been rewarded with the privilege of being named to the Capital One Academic All-American Second Team. She is also the first student athlete at The University of Akron to ever be presented with
this award.

“I did not let the injury affect how I went about my daily routine,” Tecca said. “Basketball and school are the two things that come naturally to me, and I am extremely honored to receive an award that recognizes both efforts.”

Tecca’s inspiring drive will continue to lead her to incredible new heights. For now, her next goal is to win a MAC championship.

“I think the biggest difference this season is our team chemistry,” Tecca said. “We all get along so well and everyone supports each other. We are going to give everything we’ve got to win a MAC championship.”