Hall of Fame
Heading into this year's selection process, it seemed like Griffon Women's Basketball's second all-time leader in steals was a lock for the Missouri Western Hall of Fame. Eldra Paixao began her basketball career as a youth player in Brazil. She then took her skills to South Plains College in Texas helping her team to a 30-2 record and the WJCAC championship. With that pedigree, Hall of Fame Coach Dave Slifer was happy to see Paixao join the Griffons. No sooner did Paixao get on campus was her presence on the court felt.
In her first season as a Griffon in 2003-04, she established herself as a premier player being named not only First Team All-MIAA but also as the MIAA Defensive Player of Year award. She followed up that performance with another First Team All-MIAA performance in 2004-05. Her quick hands and basketball acumen produced team-leading steals totals in both seasons she played, posting 107 and 81 for a career total of 188 steals. Those totals are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 all-time for a season. Paixao capped off her career earning the Missouri Western 2004-05 Female Student Athlete of the Year award.
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