In a moment that will go down in Nebraska sports history, junior center Alexis Markowski has been named the National Player of the Year, a title awarded to the most outstanding collegiate basketball player in the country. The announcement has not only sent shockwaves through the NCAA landscape but also firmly established Markowski as one of the premier athletes in the game today.
What makes Markowski’s rise so extraordinary is the journey that led her here. Coming out of Lincoln Pius X High School, Markowski was highly regarded within the state but wasn’t necessarily seen as a national force. However, since joining the Nebraska Cornhuskers, she has elevated her game season after season, transforming from a promising freshman into a dominant presence in the paint.
This season, Markowski has averaged an eye-popping 21.6 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, all while shooting over 55% from the field. Her physicality, court vision, and relentless work ethic have made her nearly impossible to guard. But it’s not just the numbers that have earned her this elite recognition—it’s the leadership, consistency, and clutch performances that have defined her junior campaign.
“She’s the heart and soul of our team,” said Nebraska head coach Amy Williams. “Her development has been incredible, but more importantly, she’s become a leader who lifts everyone around her. She’s worked for this moment, and we’re all just so proud of her.”
One of the defining games of Markowski’s season came in a late-February showdown against a top-10 ranked Big Ten rival. With Nebraska trailing late in the fourth quarter, Markowski took over—scoring 12 straight points, grabbing four key rebounds, and blocking a potential game-winning shot to seal the upset. That performance, along with several other high-stakes heroics, cemented her status as a player who thrives under pressure.
National media outlets and analysts have praised Markowski not only for her statistical dominance but also for her all-around impact on the game. She has been described as “a throwback center with modern mobility,” blending old-school post skills with the agility and basketball IQ demanded by today’s game.
Beyond the accolades, Markowski’s award carries historical significance. She is the first player in Nebraska women’s basketball history to win the National Player of the Year award, a milestone that underscores the growth of the program and the power of homegrown talent.
“I’m just honored,” Markowski said during a press conference following the announcement. “I’ve had an amazing support system here—my coaches, my teammates, and my family. This isn’t just my award; it’s a win for all of us.”
As the season winds down and Nebraska eyes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, one thing is certain: Alexis Markowski has already etched her name in the annals of college basketball. She’s not just a star—she’s a force to be reckoned with.
