NORTHFIELD, Vt. – Capping off a historic senior season, Owen Liss of the Norwich University men's basketball team has been named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognizing his excellence both on the court and in the classroom. With this honor, Liss advances to the ballot for CSC Academic All-America consideration, where he will have the opportunity to be recognized among the nation's top student-athletes.
A criminal justice major with a 3.92 GPA, Liss has excelled academically while balancing the rigorous demands of being a student-athlete. His ability to maintain a high academic standard while leading his team on the hardwood has cemented his reputation as one of the top scholar-athletes in the region.
Liss recently completed one of the most dominant seasons in Norwich men's basketball history, earning Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) All-Conference First Team honors for the second consecutive year. He led the GNAC in scoring at 21.5 points per game while ranking among the conference leaders in multiple statistical categories, including fourth in field goal percentage (56.7%), fourth in rebounds per game (8.8), eighth in free throw percentage (83.0%), and first in blocked shots (44). His all-around impact was evident, as he also contributed 53 assists and played a vital role on both ends of the floor.
The senior forward had several milestone moments during the season, including surpassing 1,000 career points in a game against Elmira College on December 8, 2024, during the Ed Hockenbury Classic. He became the first Norwich player in history to be named U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Division III National Player of the Week, an honor he earned after a dominant performance that saw him post multiple 30-point outings. Additionally, he garnered back-to-back GNAC Player of the Week honors during the season.
Liss finishes his collegiate career ranked sixth all-time in career scoring at Norwich with 1,391 points, while his 58.7% field goal percentage ranks second in program history, trailing only Jon Ford '84. He also tallied 614 rebounds, 139 assists, 112 blocks, and 91 steals, cementing his legacy as one of the most complete players in Norwich history. He also recently received National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division III All-District District 1 Second Team and D3Hoops.com All-Region 1 Third Team plaudits.
Behind Liss's leadership, Norwich finished the 2024-25 season with a 17-9 overall record and an 8-6 mark in GNAC play, securing back-to-back GNAC Quarterfinal appearances. His impact on the program will be felt for years to come, as he departs as one of the most decorated and accomplished players in Norwich basketball history.
To qualify for CSC Academic All-District® honors, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, be a sophomore or older, and compete in at least 90 percent of their team's games or start in at least 66 percent of contests.
With his selection to the CSC Academic All-District Team, Liss will now move on to the CSC Academic All-America national ballot, where voting is conducted by CSC members. The Academic All-America Team will be announced in April.
The CSC Academic All-District® program highlights the nation's most accomplished student-athletes, celebrating their ability to excel both in their sport and in their academic pursuits.
The 2024-25 Academic All-District® Men's Basketball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA.
