A senior guard on the Elizabethtown College women’s basketball team is having a season unlike anything the team has seen in years.
Cyleigh Wilson, a Blue Jay from Sandy Hook, Ct. has been a four-year member of the Blue Jays women’s basketball team and has started every game of her career. During her four years with the team, Wilson has made the Landmark Conference playoffs every year, including two NCAA Division III tournament appearances.
For most people, this would be enough accolades to fill their entire career but not Wilson.
During the 2023-2024 season, Wilson made a massive jump in her game from her first three years with the team. She averaged 13.2 points per game, placing her at fifth in the conference. Fans believe it’s Wilson’s efficient numbers that leave opposing teams sleepless at night. Shooting 48 percent from the field and a staggering 50 percent from the three-point line, Wilson is becoming one of the most efficient players in all of Division III women’s basketball.
“Not only does she have an amazing three-point shot, which is the best in the country, but the addition of her floater has also really made her a more prolific scorer,” Head Women’s Basketball Coach Veronica Nolt said.
Despite standing at just 5 feet and 5 inches, Wilson does not let her size define her play on the court.
“I focus on what I can do instead of focusing on things I can’t control,” Wilson said. “My height is something I can’t change, so it’s more important to me to improve my skills and shooting so my height isn’t a factor.”
With her unbelievable numbers comes the opportunity to break records, and Wilson did just that on Jan.14 in a conference win over Goucher College. This year, the Landmark Conference hosted four games at the Palestra in Philadelphia, home to the University of Pennsylvania basketball teams. The Palestra is one of the most storied gymnasiums in the country, hosting many exciting college and high school games over the years. The Blue Jays had the opportunity to participate in the event, and Wilson did not shy away from the spotlight.
Wilson finished the game with a career-high 29 points while also knocking down nine three-pointers, which set a new school and conference record. “Breaking the record at the Palestra just made it even more special to do it at such an iconic place,” Wilson said.
“To be able to say that she broke the conference record at the most historic basketball gym in the country is something she has for her lifetime,” Nolt said.
Wilson was not done breaking records. A couple of weeks later she broke another one, crushing the Etown women’s basketball single season three-point record. The record previously held by Nancy Keene during the 1988-89 season was 65. On Feb. 7, Wilson drained her 66th three-pointer of the year.
“It means a lot to me,” Wilson said. “To see all my hard work pay off is super rewarding. I honestly knew I was close to the record, but didn’t know how far away I was, so when I made the three and the entire gym erupted, I was in shock.”
Not only is Wilson a great basketball player, but she is a leader and accomplished student off the court. Wilson was named team captain this year, demonstrating her leadership and positive attitude towards the team’s success. She has also been named to the Landmark Conference Spring Semester Academic Honor Roll twice in her career.
“Cy is super fun, sociable and an amazing friend,” junior guard Summer McNulty said. “We are roommates, and I love being able to have and create a relationship off the court with her.”
Nolt described Wilson as “an encouraging teammate and friend. She is always looking for ways to improve the team and our ability to execute well and win games.”
Wilson highlighted these qualities as improvements she’s made over her college career.
“I think my leadership has definitely improved,” Wilson said. “I am a point guard, so I need to make sure everyone is on the same page when we are playing.”
