Gonzaga’s Yvonne Ejim named top player, Lisa Fortier top coach among mid-majors in 2023-24

After a record-breaking 32-4 season, Gonzaga forward Yvonne Ejim and coach Lisa Fortier earned some big recognition on Wednesday.

Ejim was named Becky Hammon Player of the Year and Fortier was tabbed Kathy Delaney-Smith Coach of the Year by Her Hoop Stats, which recognizes the top midmajor player and coach in the nation.

The Hammon award is in its fifth year. Ejim is the first Zag to earn the honor. It’s the first season for the Delaney-Smith award.

Ejim announced in late February she will return to Gonzaga for a fifth season – a COVID year. A Calgary, Alberta, native, Ejim led Gonzaga to the NCAA Tournament and a No. 4 seed. Gonzaga advanced to the Sweet 16 where a loss to Texas ended the Zags’ season.

Gonzaga became the first midmajor to earn a No. 4 seed since 2012 when Deleware was awarded a top-16 seed.

Ejim put together career bests in scoring (19.7), rebounding (8.7), assists (2.3) and steals (1.4).

In games against Power Six opponents, Ejim averaged 23 points and seven rebounds while shooting 68% four times.

She ranks sixth in Gonzaga history in points (1,659), seventh in rebounds (815) and eighth in blocks (111).

Fortier led the Zags to the winningest season in program history, and the school’s fifth Sweet 16 appearance.

Since taking over in 2014-15, Fortier has guided GU to a 265-63 record.