Chance Bucher of Eckerd Named 2024-25 SSC Woman of the Year
ORLANDO, Fla. – Eckerd College's Chance Bucher has been selected as the 2024-25 Sunshine State Conference Woman of the Year. The standout women's basketball student-athlete becomes the third Triton to receive the honor, joining former volleyball players Kelly Morrisroe (2007) and Lydee Benoit (2010).
Athletic Directors, Senior Woman Administrators, Athletic Communication Directors, and Faculty Athletic Representatives from each of the league's 11 member institutions selected Bucher from a pool of nominees. Woman of the Year candidates were scored by voters based on the NCAA's award guidelines.
Bucher served as captain of Eckerd's women's basketball team during a turbulent season that began with hurricane evacuations and practice interruptions. Rising to the challenge, she led the team in scoring and rebounding while earning All-SSC First Team, D2CCA All-South Region Second Team, and WBCA Honorable Mention All-American honors. Her leadership extended beyond the court, helping to hold the team together amid adversity and uncertainty.
A psychology major, Bucher graduated with high honors and was inducted into Psi Chi (Psychology Honor Society) and Chi Alpha Sigma (National College Athlete Honor Society). She was also named Academic All-District and earned multiple appearances on the SSC Commissioner's Honor Roll and the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award list.
Off the court, Bucher was an engaged member of the Eckerd Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, coordinating and participating in numerous community outreach initiatives. Highlights included co-leading the "Accessible Basketball Showdown" to raise awareness for wheelchair sports, supporting the National Marrow Donor Program, assisting with triathlon event logistics, and participating in a reading tour at local elementary schools.
In recognition of her leadership and all-around excellence, Bucher was also honored with Eckerd's James R. Harley Award, presented annually to the top senior male and female student-athletes who demonstrate leadership and distinction in the classroom, in competition, and throughout the community. Her impact on campus and in the community, coupled with her academic and athletic achievements, exemplify the NCAA Woman of the Year ideals. She will go on to represent the SSC and Eckerd College as a nominee for the 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year award.
In the Fall, the Woman of the Year selection committee will name the Top 30 honorees, including 10 women from each division. The selection committee will announce nine finalists in late 2025, with three advancing from each division. At January's NCAA Convention in Nashville, the national Top 30 honorees will be celebrated, and the NCAA Woman of the Year will be announced, as selected by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics.
Previous SSC Woman of the Year Award Winners
2023-24: Isabelle Navren, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Soccer)
2022-23: Jackie Stoller, Florida Southern (Lacrosse)
2021-22: Savannah Brennan, Florida Tech (Swimming)
2020-21: Julia Ingram, University of Tampa (Basketball)
2019-20: Addison Cantor, Florida Southern College (Cross Country)
2018-19: Kristina Ortiz, Lynn University (Golf)
2017-18: Emily Santoli, Florida Southern College (Lacrosse)
2016-17: Marie Coors, Saint Leo University (Golf)
2015-16: Rebecca Matthews, Lynn University (Swimming)
2014-15: Linda Fritschken, Barry University (Tennis)
2013-14: Ellen Chambers, Lynn University (Golf)
2012-13: Lauren Boudreau, Nova Southeastern University (Tennis)
2011-12: Grace Collins, Barry University (Softball)
2010-11: Barbara Pocza, Barry University (Tennis)
2009-10: Maria Garcia-Austt, Nova Southeastern University (Golf)
Lydee Benoit, Eckerd College (Volleyball)
2008-09: Shyla Rider, Barry University (Softball)
2007-08: Virginia Davenport, Saint Leo University (Soccer)
2006-07: Kelly Morrisroe, Eckerd College (Volleyball)
2005-06: Greta Trotman, Barry University (Tennis)