In a recent announcement, it was revealed that the NCAA has recognized outstanding female student-athletes for the prestigious 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The selected honorees are making waves in Indianapolis as they are celebrated for their remarkable achievements in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership.
Established back in 1991, this award has become a symbol of excellence among collegiate athletes, particularly in light of the impact of Title IX. This year, the selection process was highly competitive, with a record-breaking total of 627 nominees from schools around the nation. After narrowing it down through conference-level evaluations, 168 nominees made it to the final cut, ultimately leading to a final group of 30 honorees. Each NCAA division, among the honors, included a balanced representation, with 10 deserving women from each division.
The chosen top athletes come from various sports, breaking down barriers within the NCAA, including three participants from the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women category. Their majors are just as diverse, featuring subjects like cell and molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, and more.
Marion Terenzio, who chairs the selection committee, praised these women, remarking, “These honorees represent the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete. They’ve proven themselves among thousands of athletes who push their limits every day, not only in sports, but in life.”
In January, the esteemed NCAA Convention will take place, where the NCAA Woman of the Year will be officially announced. Out of the Top 30, the selection committee will identify three finalists from each division, culminating in a total of nine finalists. Those finalists will be in the run for the prestigious title. The legacy of this award continues, celebrating not just athletic success but the positive impact these women have in their communities.
To learn more about the Woman of the Year program and its previous winners, interested individuals can visit the NCAA’s dedicated website to gather comprehensive details.
