WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Capital University women’s basketball standout Samaree Perkins has been named a First Team Academic All-America selection by the College Sports Communicators.

The Academic All-America honor is one of the highest distinctions awarded to a student-athlete, recognizing excellence in competition, the classroom, and community involvement. Perkins is one of just 15 Division III women’s basketball student-athletes nationwide to earn the recognition this season.

Perkins becomes the first Capital women’s basketball student-athlete to earn Academic All-America honors since Sara Heitkamp in 2006 and is just the sixth player in program history to receive the distinction. She is also Capital’s first Academic All-America honoree across all sports since Lexie Leggett (softball) in 2023.

On the court, Perkins capped off a standout 2025-26 campaign with multiple national accolades. She was named an All-American by both the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and D3hoops.com, in addition to earning WBCA Senior All-Star honors. Within the Ohio Athletic Conference, she was selected as Player of the Year and garnered First Team All-OAC recognition. Perkins averaged 20.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game while surpassing both the 1,500-point and 1,000-rebound milestones during her senior season.

In the classroom, Perkins has excelled at the highest level. A first-year law student, she completed her undergraduate degree with a perfect 4.00 GPA and currently holds a 3.91 GPA in law school. Her academic accolades include Distinguished Senior Leader, Outstanding Senior Leader, Dean’s List (Law School), and three CALI Excellence for the Future Awards. She is also a six-time Academic All-OAC honoree and a five-time CSC Academic All-District selection.

Beyond athletics and academics, Perkins has been actively involved in numerous organizations, including Women Lawyers of Franklin County, the Columbus Bar Association, and the Black Law Students Association. During her undergraduate career, she contributed to the Chimes student newspaper, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Career Development initiatives, and Residential and Commuter Life programs.

Perkins’ selection adds to Capital University’s rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence.