Success beyond the court

Rachel Blunt's solid performance on the basketball court for Southeast Missouri State over the past two years pales in comparison to her academic accomplishments.

The senior forward from Dexter, Mo., has been perfect in the classroom, carrying a 4.0 grade-point average.

"She's what the term student-athlete is all about," coach John Ishee said Wednesday at Southeast's basketball media day. "The words work ethic epitomize Rachel, whether in a game, at practice, in the classroom.

"She just works. We're very blessed she plays for us."

Ishee apparently is so impressed by Blunt that, as he addressed a gathering of boosters, administrators and media during the luncheon portion of the media day program, he requested a standing ovation for her.

"I don't know how you can do better than 4.0," Ishee told the group.

You can't, which Blunt said — without a trace of boasting — was her intention since she signed with Southeast.

"I always set really high standards for myself. I just thought that's where I should be at," said Blunt, a sport management major. "It's probably my biggest accomplishment since I've been at school.

"It's not something you get handed. You have to put the work in. It comes easier to me than some other people, but I still have to work."

Not surprisingly, Blunt has racked up numerous academic awards, including being an OVC Medal of Honor recipient the past three years for achieving the highest GPA in her sport.

In addition, Blunt was named an Academic All-District selection last year, which Ishee expects to lead to an even higher honor this season.

"I think she'll be an Academic All-American," Ishee said.

Blunt said juggling the athletic and academic end of college is challenging, with the long hours spent during practices, games and road trips.

"The time management is the biggest thing," she said. "As long as you can stay up on things. ... I actually get a lot of studying done on road trips. It helps you pass the time."

While Blunt is an unqualified star in the classroom, she's no slouch on the court.

After a two-time all-state career at Dexter High School, the 6-foot Blunt has put up solid numbers for the Redhawks.

Blunt saw limited action as a freshman reserve in 2005-06, averaging 1.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 7.1 minutes.

Blunt's production has increased significantly over the past two seasons.

In 2006-07, Blunt made 14 starts. She averaged five points and three rebounds in 21 minutes as the Redhawks won OVC regular-season and tournament championships during Ishee's first year.

Blunt had a major hand in sending Southeast to the NCAA tournament that season as she hit two crucial baskets in the closing minutes of a two-point win over Murray State for the OVC title.

Blunt made 28 starts last season. She averaged 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 28.1 minutes, ranking fourth on the team in scoring and fifth in rebounding.

Blunt was second on the squad in 3-point shooting (33.9 percent) and third in free-throw shooting (76.9 percent) as the Redhawks again captured the OVC regular-season title, but lost in the semifinals of the OVC tournament to fall short of another NCAA trip. They instead earned a WNIT berth.

"Rachel has gotten better every year," Ishee said.

He expects those improvements to continue.

"I think she'll be a lot more comfortable looking for big shots, and I think she'll be a better rebounder," Ishee said.

Blunt said she has concentrated on improving her offensive game and on becoming more of a vocal leader, even though that last part doesn't come easy considering her soft-spoken nature.

"I've worked a lot in the offseason to take that next step offensively," Blunt said. "I did a lot of shooting, a lot of cardio. Hopefully it happens.

"My biggest concern is the leadership role. I have to be more vocal. It's kind of difficult for me because it steps out of my personality."

With seven returning seniors, the Redhawks figure to receive leadership from quite a few sources as they shoot for their third consecutive OVC regular-season championship under Ishee, who has a two-year record of 47-17.

"I think we'll be deeper than we've been," said Blunt, noting Southeast's three other returning players and five newcomers who are expected to contribute. "I feel like we're going to be really successful."

Blunt, scheduled to earn her degree in the spring, said she plans to attend graduate school with the hopes of eventually becoming a college athletic administrator.

Before she gets to that point, she wants to finish at Southeast with a perfect GPA — and another OVC championship.

"That's my goal," Blunt said.

Based on her track record, it would be hard to bet against her.