Typically, when an athlete is just breaking into a team, whether it be a freshman in college, or a rookie in the pros, they don’t get much playing time.

However, former NIU women’s basketball player Claire Jakubicek established herself as deserving of the minutes she played and took full advantage of them. Her freshman year earned her the No. 5 spot on the Northern Star’s top 10 ’11-’12 NIU athletes.

Jakubicek averaged 11 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. The Cary Grove High School graduate was the high scorer in eight games, and lead in rebounds in five. She lead the team in scoring, field goal and free throw percentage.

She would have also finished first in the MAC in free throw percentage at 95 percent if she would have had the qualifying number of attempts.

The most impressive feat of her season, however, was taking home the MAC Freshman of the Year award, only the second time in history an NIU athlete acquired the award.

Jakubicek’s season was cut short due to a broken foot, missing the last four regular season games, as well as the three conference games.

She has also since officially transferred out of NIU, and has not made a commitment to another school at this time.

While she no longer remains a part of NIU athletics, she gives credit to those she played with.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognized for playing a sport that I absolutely love,” Jakubicek said. “I want to thank my teammates for a great season and for helping me achieve this success. This honor means so much to me.”