WMBD/WYZZ-TV - NORMAL, Ill. -- Illinois State junior Kristi Cirone was named to the Associated Press Women’s Basketball All-America Team as an honorable mention selection Tuesday.

Cirone, the 2-time Missouri Valley Conference player of the year, is the first AP All-American in ISU women’s basketball history. The 5-8 guard from Chicago was one of 45 honorable mention honorees on the team, which also featured three five-member squads.

Cirone is the third ISU player to receive all-America recognition in women’s basketball. Charlotte Lewis was a Street & Smith’s All-American in 1975 and a Kodak All-American in 1977. Former U.S. Olympian Cathy Boswell was a two-time Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-American, earning the honor in 1982 and 1983.

Cirone, who averaged 16.3 pooints, 5.6 assists and 2.6 steal per game this seaosn, is still in contention for two other national honors. She is a national finalist for the WBCA/State Farm All-America Team and is among nine final nominees for the Nancy Lieberman Award, which is given to the nation’s top-point guard.