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Vanessa wells - basketball athlete of the year 1987, 1988

Vanessa Wells - Palo Duro and West Texas State

Why Honored: Wells was the premier player for the West Texas State basketball program when the Lady Buffs came of age in the 1980s. 

After a standout career at Palo Duro, Wells signed with WT and led the Lady Buffs to unprecedented success. In her four years, she led WT to a 112-16 record that included two Lone Star Conference titles. In 1988, the 5-9 Wells averaged 19.9 points and was named the NCAA Division II national player of the year as WT finished with a 33-1 record and national runner-up. Twice, Wells was named All-American, and twice she was named the LSC player of the year.