The Rotary Club of Salem, VA, announced Natalie Bruns as the 2025 Jostens Trophy winner on Wednesday, March 26.
The award, presented by the Rotary Club of Salem and Jostens, is given each year to the "most outstanding Division III men's and women's basketball player."
The Jostens Trophy Committee reviews nominees based on three major criteria: basketball ability, academic prowess, and service to one's surrounding communities. Award winners model the Rotary International motto of "Service Above Self" by recognizing those who truly fit the ideal of a well-rounded Division III student-athlete.
This is the 27th time the trophy has been awarded and the second time it has gone to a Violet. Kaitlyn Read received the trophy in 2018.
"Whether she is on the basketball court or in the classroom, Natalie consistently demonstrates her commitment to putting the best version of herself into everything she does," said Jake Olkkola, NYU Director of Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation. "This inspires everyone around her to seek the same thing in themselves."
Bruns earned her undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Technology Management in 2024, sporting a 3.96 cumulative GPA. She has a current 4.0 GPA in NYU's Cybersecurity Master's program.
The 2024 and 2025 University Athletic Association (UAA), Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division III, and D3hoops.com Player of the Year, Bruns was also a 2024 Finalist for Honda Division III Athlete of the Year.
A native of St. Louis, MO, Bruns was selected as the 2024 College Sports Communicatiors (CSC) Academic All-America Team Member of the Year.
The graduate student receives the prestigious award after her Violets won the program's second consecutive, and third overall, National Championship. She was the Violets' team leader in scoring (17.2 ppg), rebounding (6.5 rpg), assists (5.2 apg), and steals (2.9) per game.
Bruns also received the NCAA Elite 90 Award at the NCAA Final Four, given to the student-athlete at each NCAA Championship site with the highest grade point average.
