The Ohio Athletic Conference has named Muskingum University women's basketball junior forward Caitlyn DeMassimo the OAC Printing Concepts Scholar-Athlete of the Month for December.
DeMassimo, who currently leads the OAC in scoring average (15.7 ppg) and defensive rebounds per game (7.8), etched her name in the Muskingum record book with a historic performance last season against 11th-ranked Ohio Northern. She set school records for points in a game (38), free throws made in a game (16), and free throws attempted in a game (17) to fuel Muskingum to a thrilling 89-83 double-overtime victory on Senior Day. League coaches recognized her stellar efforts on the court throughout the 2022-23 campaign when she was selected as a two-time Women's Basketball Player of the Week honoree and named Second Team All-OAC.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, DeMassimo's commitment to academics is evident through her major in special education and the recognition she has received with Academic All-OAC and College Sports Communicators Academic All-District accolades. Balancing the demands of being a student-athlete is undoubtedly challenging, but DeMassimo's ability to shine in both areas demonstrates her dedication and work ethic.
"Day in and day out, Caitlyn leads by example on the court and in the classroom," said Muskingum Head Coach Kelly Broderick. "She continues to be able to balance the expectations of the game and those in the classroom. She is a great role model for our underclassmen on how to not only do both but excel in both."
Her involvement on campus, particularly as the President of Muskingum's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), showcases her leadership skills and commitment to community service. Managing and hosting Hoops for Hunger Food Drives to benefit the New Concord College Drive Presbyterian Church food pantry and organizing various events throughout the year, including Muskie Pride game day promotions, the annual Golden Hook Awards to recognize and honor Muskingum student-athletes and teams, and the Lip Sync Battle, which features Muskingum athletic teams and a star-loaded squad of Muskingum coaches in an epic showdown reflect her passion for making a positive impact beyond the basketball court and classroom.
"As a student-athlete, time management and a healthy balance of life are the keys to success," said DeMassimo. "No one said this path would be easy, but I know it will all be worth it and set me up for future success as an educator and coach."
On the basketball court, DeMassimo's statistics and records speak for themselves, showcasing her skill and contribution to Muskingum University's success. Her leadership and performance have not only earned her personal accolades but have also contributed to the team's achievements, including advancing to the OAC Tournament and being crowned statistical National Champion in free throw shooting percentage.
