Two USF women’s basketball players have etched their names into program history this season, earning prestigious honors for their performances.

Graduate guard Mama Dembele was named the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in program history to earn the distinction.

Senior forward L’or Mputu was named the AAC Most Improved player, marking her rise in production this year as the fourth ever Bull to achieve the award.

USF women’s basketball head coach Jose Fernandez said he was glad to see his players be rewarded for their season.

“I’m so happy for all of those guys,” Fernandez said. “You get individual accolades as your team does well, so for them to get those [awards] are great.” 

Related: USF women’s basketball gears up for AAC tournament

Dembele’s defensive prowess has been a cornerstone of USF’s strategy.

The 23-year-old Missouri transfer leads the AAC in steals per game with an average of 2.4, setting the tone for the Bulls on that end of the floor.

Although the award was given to her, Dembele said the honor represents the team as a whole.

“It’s an individual award, but I think it translated into the team as well and how they trust me,” Dembele said. “They trusted me to pressure the ball, and go out there and be myself.”

Beyond her defensive presence, Dembele has been one of the top playmakers in the country.

She ranks 21st nationally in assists per game (5.4) and 18th in total assists (163). 

One of her most impressive performances came in USF’s triple overtime win against Rice on Feb. 12.

The 82-77 win for the Bulls saw Dembele record over 50 minutes and a statline that consisted of 10 assists, three steals and zero turnovers. The line is one that no Division I, NBA or WNBA player has matched this century.

Her consistency has been another defining part of this season. 

She has recorded five or more assists in 19 games, proving her reliability as a facilitator.

As the Bulls enter the postseason, her ability to control the game on both sides of the court will be crucial for the team’s success.

Related: USF’s L’or Mputu powers team’s winning streak

Mputu’s rise from role player to one of the most dominant forces in the AAC has been one of the Bulls’ biggest storylines this season. 

After averaging fewer than nine minutes and three points per game last year, she has become a key contributor, earning the conference’s Most Improved Player award.

Mputu worked on her game with the help of former Bulls player Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu. Mputu said Mendijadeu offered her words of encouragement going into the season.

“She told me you need to believe in yourself and the work you put in,” Mputu said. “Then it’s going to just show off.”

Her rebounding and scoring ability have provided USF with much-needed production in the paint. 

Mputu has recorded 10 or more rebounds in 10 games this season, giving the Bulls second-chance opportunities and a strong presence inside. 

She has also scored double digits in nine of the last 13 games, showing her offensive growth.

One of her best performances came in USF’s upset win over No. 9 Duke on Dec. 21, where she recorded a career-high 17 points and 11 rebounds. 

She matched that scoring mark again in an overtime victory against Charlotte on Jan. 1, further proving her ability to step up in big moments.