Augusta University’s Quinasia Abercrombie named PBC Freshman of the Year

By Jaxon Garner | Editor in Chief

Augusta University’s Quinasia Abercrombie was named the Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year on Friday morning, a testament to her immediate impact in her first collegiate season.

The freshman guard from Greenville, S.C., started all 28 games for the Jaguars and led the team in scoring, averaging 11.3 points per game. She also contributed 6.6 rebounds per game, ranking 17th in the conference in scoring and seventh in rebounding.

“Being named PBC Freshman of the Year means a lot,” Abercrombie said. “Seeing the hard work I put in over the season and even before coming into the season has really shown, and I’m just very proud of myself for being able to come in this year and contribute in a good way.”

Abercrombie recorded six double-doubles during the season, helping propel the Jaguars to their second consecutive 20-win season under head coach Celeste Stewart. One of her standout performances came against Lander, where she scored a season-high 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a dominant effort.

Like many freshmen, Abercrombie faced a learning curve transitioning from high school to college basketball. However, she quickly adapted to the faster pace of the game.

“The biggest adjustment coming up to the college level would be adjusting to the game and being able to slow it down,” she said. “In high school, I was always one to get the ball and just go, but throughout the season, I learned how to slow myself down and read my options.”

That ability to process the game quickly made her a key piece in Augusta’s success.

Stewart has praised Abercrombie throughout the season—even before she officially joined the Jaguars.

“Q does the little things,” Stewart said. “Even the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet, she does them.”

Her impact didn’t go unnoticed by teammates either.

“She is a player that is hard to come by,” said Jaguar senior Mone Florence. “She comes in with an unlimited passion for the game.”

Opposing coaches also recognized Abercrombie’s talent.

“She’s a rare talent—athletic, dynamic, and relentless,” said Lander coach Nicole Shelwick. “She’s high on our scout; a slasher, a playmaker, and a stat-sheet stuffer. If I were coaching last year, I would’ve done everything to keep her in South Carolina. However, I’m excited for her, proud of her accomplishments, and looking forward to competing against her in the future.”

One of Abercrombie’s biggest strengths is her defensive versatility. Despite being a guard, she consistently held her own against the conference’s best post players. She played a key role in shutting down Georgia College’s Jada Warren, the nation’s leading rebounder at 13.9 boards per game.

In both matchups against Augusta, Warren was held well below her average, finishing with just eight and 10 rebounds, respectively. Abercrombie’s presence in the paint, combined with her natural athleticism, made her one of the top defensive players on the team.

“She started to figure out different things to work on and different ways to score,” Stewart said. “She’s always asking to get extra time in with me. She’s doing the work, and I’m not surprised.”

Abercrombie is far from satisfied with her freshman success. She remains focused on improving key aspects of her game heading into her sophomore season.

“Overall, I’m always looking to get better and improve,” she said. “Staying in the gym and meeting with Coach has significantly helped me.”

Heading into next season, Abercrombie has specific goals in mind.

“I want to improve my three-ball, my jump shot, and being able to improve my reads in the game,” she said.

Her freshman campaign already placed her in elite company. She joins an exclusive group of Jaguars to win Freshman of the Year, the first since Asia Harrison claimed the honor in 2019.

When reflecting on her first season, one moment stands out above the rest.

“My favorite moment of my freshman season would be hitting the buzzer-beater against Flagler at home,” she said.

With a full offseason ahead, Abercrombie’s ceiling remains high. Augusta fans will have to wait seven months to see her return to Christenberry Fieldhouse, but when she does, she’ll be ready to take her game to the next level.

AU’s Abercrombie driving to the post versus Flagler (Photo by Lydia Williams/The Bell Ringer). Top of screen: AU’s Abercrombie bringing the ball down the court versus Flagler (Photo by Lydia Williams/The Bell Ringer).

Contact Jaxon Garner at jaxgarner@augusta.edu.