Emilie von der Linden Named NEWBA Rookie of the Week

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- For the second straight week, Bridgewater State University freshman center Emilie von der Linden has been selected as the New England Women's Basketball Association (NEWBA) Rookie of the Week.

Emilie von der Linden Named NEWBA Rookie of the Week
February 3, 2026

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- For the second straight week, Bridgewater State University freshman center Emilie von der Linden has been selected as the New England Women's Basketball Association (NEWBA) Rookie of the Week.

A native of Sanbornville, New Hampshire, von der Linden averaged 22 points, nine rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 blocked shots while shooting 79.2% (19-24) from the floor in a perfect 2-0 week for the Bears.

von der Linden scored a career-high 26 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks in a 93-38 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletics Conference (MASCAC) win over Fitchburg State. She also posted a double-double with 18 points and ten rebounds while adding three blocks in an 83-49 MASCAC victory over Worcester State.

Through 18 games this season, all starts, von der Linden is averaging 11.2 points, 8.7 rebounds (2.8 offensive) and two blocks while shooting 55% (83-151) from the floor and 65.4% (34-52) at the free throw line. She currently leads the MASCAC in blocked shots and ranks second among the conference leaders in field goal percentage and double-doubles (6) as well as fourth in rebounds and sixth in both offensive rebounds and made field goals.

Earlier this week, von der Linden earned MASCAC Rookie of the Week honors for the second straight week and fourth time this season.

The BSU women's basketball team is currently 9-9 on the season and a perfect 8-0 in the MASCAC. The conference schedule continues on Wednesday evening when the Bears head to Salem State University for a five o'clock game with the Vikings.

NEWBA Team of the Week

  • Player of the Week: Madi Zancan, Regis
  • Rookie of the Week: Emilie von der Linden, Bridgewater State
  • First Team: Lilli Clark, Roger Williams
  • First Team: Lucy Wiles, Southern Maine
  • First Team: Faith Greene, Framingham State
  • First Team: Virginia Johnson, Smith
  • First Team: Abby Quinn, Bowdoin
  • Second Team: Brianna Foley, JWU
  • Second Team: Micah Walton, Williams
  • Second Team: Laura Johnson, Lasell
  • Second Team: Mary Turco, Elms
  • Second Team: Kylie Schrock, Salem State