Soares Selected as NCAA Woman of the Year Top-9 Finalist
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Sept. 12, 2013) - On Thursday, former LIU Post women's lacrosse defensive standout Bridgett Soares (San Diego, Calif.) was named one of nine finalists for the 2013 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The winner of the prestigious honor will be announced Oct. 20 at a ceremony in Indianapolis.
Through participation in community service, campus activities and leadership, Soares has worked with others, and helped them reach their goals, while achieving her own. She made her mark on the community by joining in walks for multiple causes, coaching youth lacrosse teams, and assisting with clinics.
In the classroom, Soares, a Criminal Justice major, finished with a 3.78 grade-point average, and earned numerous accolades in the process. The San Diego native was a 2012 LIU Post Pride finalist, an LIU Post Women of Achievement honoree, a Yellow Ribbon Award recipient, and an LIU Graduating Student Leadership Award selection.
On the lacrosse field, Soares, who also serves her country as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, helped the Pioneers to a pair of NCAA Division II titles (2012 & 2013) and East Coast Conference crowns (2010 & 2013). She got an All-ECC first-team nod in her senior year as well.
The nine finalists represent a range of NCAA-sponsored sports, and were chosen from more than 450 nominees. Three were picked from each division (I, II, III) in recognition of their accomplishments in academics, athletics, community service and leadership.
When asked about her experience at LIU Post, Soares responded: "Since attending the University, my life has been affected in the most positive of ways. I have grown into a person I am proud of, and none of that would have been possible without the experience I had here (at LIU Post). Being a part of this University gave me the opportunity to learn and grow both on and off the athletic field."
For the full release on the Top-9 finalists for NCAA Woman of the Year, please click here.