JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville Waves are proud to announce that guard Ariel Hearn has earned the first ever UPSHOT League Most Valuable Player Award.
Hearn, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, averaged 15.1 points per game which ranked fourth in the UPSHOT League. She also averaged three assists and 1.6 steals per game (ranked 4th and 3rd in UPSHOT respectively). Hearn played an average of 30.6 minutes per game while shooting 47.1% from the field and 34.6% from three. Hearn earned three double doubles over 34 games played this season.
About the Jacksonville Waves
The Jacksonville Waves are a professional women’s basketball team based in Jacksonville, Florida, and is a founding member of the new UPSHOT League which began play this May. The franchise’s identity—is inspired by Jacksonville’s coastal geography and the historic legacy of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Waves are committed to providing a professional platform for elite athletes while fostering a fun family environment and enjoyable game day experience. The Waves play their home games at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. For ticket packages and information call 904-602-7825, or visit www.wavesupshot.com
About the UPSHOT League
The UPSHOT League is a premier women’s professional basketball league headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Owned and operated by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, the league is built on four core pillars—UPlift, UPward, UPend, and UProar—aiming to create meaningful pathways for athletes and strengthen the communities they serve. The league’s “Founding Four” teams include the Jacksonville Waves, Savannah Steel, Charlotte Crown and Greensboro Groove. The Cities of Baltimore and Nashville are expected to start in 2027.