WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Coastal Athletic Association has named UNCW's Ali Zelaya Women's Basketball Player of the Week after two double-double performances in a 2-0 week for the Seahawks.

"I am so happy for Ali. She came here to have a chance to be an impact player," Head Coach Nicole Woods said. "Her impact goes further than the basketball court. That being said, she's pretty good at basketball, and she proved it this weekend. Our team is better when she is on the court. Her dominant performances this week fueled us to victory in a much-needed home sweep. We are so proud of her!"

Zelaya averaged 24 points, 13.5 rebounds, and three blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field on 39 attempts. She also played an average of 36.5 minutes over both contests.

The graduate forward set a new career high with 26 points, shooting 11-of-23 from the field, in UNCW's 65-57 win against Stony Brook on Sunday afternoon. Zelaya also grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked three shots. In the win against the Seawolves, Zelaya recorded her fourth consecutive double-double and seventh of the season. 

On Friday night against Hofstra, Zelaya scored 22 points on 7-of-16 shooting, 13 rebounds, and three blocks in the Seahawks' 70-67 overtime triumph over the Pride.

Zelaya leads the CAA in almost every rebounding category. She is the league leader in rebounds (206), rebounds per game (9.4), and defensive rebounds per game (7.8). 

She is also the conference's leading shot blocker this season with 46 blocks. Zelaya currently averages 11.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. 

UNCW Women's Basketball 2024-25 Weekly Honors

Ali Zelaya - Player of the Week (Feb. 3)