Lauren Hill named to all-conference 1st team

The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference is honoring former Mount St. Joseph's player Lauren Hill in a big way. 

The HCAC has awarded Hill a first-team all-conference nod, it announced Wednesday.

"This award is being presented to Lauren in recognition of her courage and outstanding leadership," HCAC commissioner Chris Ragsdale said. "Lauren has been a tremendous inspiration and role model for all student-athletes across the country. 

"She has shown through her leadership and dedication how one individual can truly make a difference."

When she was in her senior year of high school, Hill was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. But that didn't stop her from attaining her dream of playing college hoops. 

Hill decided to play for the NCAA Division III college, located near Cincinnati. She's helped raise more than $1.3 million for brain cancer research. Hill appeared in four games for Mount St. Joseph's this season before ending her playing career and becoming an honorary coach.