SALEM, Va. – Each year, the Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia sponsors The Jostens Trophy, recognizing the most outstanding men's and women's Division III basketball players of the year. Featured as one of the 11 finalists for women's basketball in 2025-26 is Capital University's own, Samaree Perkins. 

The award focuses on three major criteria: basketball ability, academic prowess, and service to one's surrounding community. The Jostens Trophy models the Rotary International motto of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of a well-rounded Division III student-athlete. This season marks the 28th time that the Jostens Trophy honors will be awarded. 

As Perkins has been named one of 11 finalists for women's basketball, her name will now be advanced to the Jostens Trophy National Selection Committee for review. This committee will spend the next week-plus reviewing the finalists with the aim of announcing the men's and women's winners the week following both championship events. 

During the 2025-26 season, Perkins finished the season with 20.0 points per game, 12.0 rebounds per contest, 36 assists, 27 steals and 23 blocks. Additionally during the season, she became the sixth player in program history to reach 1,500 career points and the third player in program history to record 1,000 career rebounds. At season's end, she finished fourth all-time in program history for career points and second all-time in program history for career rebounds. This season, she was named the OAC Player of the Year, All-OAC First Team, OAC Player of the Week four times, and D3hoops.com Team of the Week three times. 

Off the court, Perkins is a first-year law school student, maintaining a 3.91 GPA. She has been a recipient of numerous academic awards including Academic All-Conference six times, CSC Academic All-District four times, the OAC Scholar Athlete of the Month, Distinguished Senior Leader, and Outstanding Senior Leader among others. 

Additionally, she is involved in several organizations including Women in Law, Columbus Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and Black Law Students Association. As an undergraduate student, she was also a member of the Chimes student newspaper, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Career Development, and Residential and Commuter Life. 

More information about The Jostens Trophy and the other finalists may be found here.