Nneka Enemkpali

Classroom

Nneka Enemkpali (in-em-PAUL-ee) has helped establish a culture of academic excellence in the Texas Women’s Basketball program with years of dedication to her major: African and African Diaspora Studies. The two-time Academic All-Big 12 Second Team honoree carries a 3.19 GPA and is on track to graduate in May of 2015.

Character

A tremendous leader by example on and off the court, Texas head coach Karen Aston attests to Enemkpali’s character: “Nneka brings a tireless work ethic to practice, games and the classroom on a consistent basis. She does not accept anything less than great, and has led by example to gain the unwavering respect of her teammates and coaches. She continues to improve her basketball skill set, while also setting eye-popping records in our weight room. Nneka has also proven to be a consummate role model to our young fans with her infectious smile and personality.”

Community

Enemkpali has used her status as an elite student-athlete at the University of Texas to encourage and assist her community through a number of efforts, both as a member of her team and as an individual. Enemkpali has built relationships with children in need of encouragement by sharing her time at the Ronald McDonald House, Dell Children’s Hospital, Austin State Hospital and Adopt-A-Family Christmas festivities. In addition to cultivating relationships with those in need, Enemkpali has helped operate various community service events with Horns for Hope, Marathon Kids, Austin Lady Magic Basketball Club and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Competition

Enemkpali enters her senior year as a Sporting News Preseason Third-Team All-American with a level of athleticism rarely seen in the women’s game. As a two-time All-Big 12 honoree, she has led the Longhorns’ resurgence onto the national stage as the 2014-15 preseason favorites to win the Big 12. She has led her team in total points in the past two seasons and totals 21 career double-doubles, including a UT record of six consecutive double-doubles. Last season, she became the ninth Longhorn to lead her team in both scoring (12.0 ppg) and rebounding (8.6 rpg), while guiding Texas to a third-place finish in the Big 12 and the second round of the NCAA Championship. Based on her career averages of 9.5 ppg and 7.6 rpg, she is on pace to become just the fifth Longhorn to reach over 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds.