At the end of the day, after the work’s been completed, it’s time to reap the benefits of a long and successful season.

Junior center Lindsay Taylor, the dominant threat in the middle for the UCSB women’s basketball team, was named an honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press. Taylor marks just the second player in school history to receive such prestigious national recognition. In 1999-2000 Erin Buescher posted a Third Team selection and an honorable mention spot the year before.

A year ago there had been speculation as to the extent that Taylor would be able to effectively replace 2002 Big West Player of the Year Kayte Christensen as the team’s go-to player in the post. The Chandler, Ariz., native responded in a big way, showing signs of absolute domination in the paint and a threat from the perimeter.

After red-shirting her freshman season, Taylor has improved every year before breaking out in 2002-03. Taylor averaged 16.3 points, a team-high, and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting an astounding 56.8% from the floor. The 6’8” center commanded her squad to 27-5 overall record, the Big West regular season and tournament championships, a #18 national ranking and a second consecutive trip to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Taylor’s other accolades this year include Big West Player of the Year, Big West Tournament MVP and a Kodak/WBCA District 8 All-American.