Sileo Climbs Into Top-30 Pool For NCAA Woman of the Year Award

9/2/2014 1:12:00 PM

Nominee List

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Sept. 2, 2014) - Adding another accolade to the myriad of awards she has received, former LIU Post women's lacrosse player Jackie Sileo (Wantagh, N.Y.) has been placed into the Top-30 rankings for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award.

Sileo's nomination marks the second-consecutive year that a Pioneer has been selected to the Top-30 tally. Former All-East Coast Conference defender Bridgett Soares (San Diego, Calif.) claimed the same incredible honor at the conclusion of the 2013 season.

"I personally am speechless just thinking about it," said Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Meghan McNamara (East Northport, N.Y.). "It is a phenomenal achievement for Jackie to be considered among the Top-30 for this award. The fact that she was chosen amongst the over 400 amazing student-athletes for this honor is a wonderful and fitting way for Jackie to conclude her athletic career."

Sileo wrapped up her women's lacrosse career as the all-time leading point-getter in NCAA history across all divisions. She was named the East Coast Conference Player of the Year for a third-straight season, and also earned her third-consecutive IWLCA Attacker of the Year nod. Additionally, the Wantagh, N.Y. native was chosen to the IWLCA All-North Region first-team for the fourth year in a row, as well as the IWLCA All-America first-team for a fourth campaign in succession. Sileo was the only Division II lacrosse player to be nominated for the revered Tewaaraton Award, while she was also recognized as a finalist for the Honda Athlete of the Year trophy.

Sileo's mention as one of the Top-30 student-athletes for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award is a testament to her performance in the classroom in addition to her play on the lacrosse field. This year, she was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District and All-America At-Large teams. Furthermore, Sileo was the recipient of the illustrious Roy E. Ilowit Award, which is bestowed upon an LIU Post student-athlete who best exemplifies the spirit of Dr. Ilowit with high marks in the classroom and exceptional performances on the field.

Sileo completed her undergraduate coursework with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a 3.68 grade-point average. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has achieved a 4.0 GPA so far in her studies.

The nine finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award will be revealed later in September. The winner will be announced on Sunday, Oct. 19 at an awards dinner in Indianapolis.

About the Woman of the Year Award

The NCAA established the Woman of the Year Award in 1991 to celebrate the achievements of women in intercollegiate athletics. Now in its 24th year, the award is unique because it recognizes not only the athletics achievements of outstanding young women, but also their academic achievements, community service and leadership.

Annually, NCAA member schools from all three divisions nominate their own woman of the year. To be eligible, these women must have competed and earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and must have completed eligibility in their primary sport. Conferences then select a conference honoree from their list of school nominees.

Each fall, the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee then selects the Top-30 – 10 from each division and then three finalists from each division.  The Committee on Women's Athletics selects the winner from the Top 9.  The Woman of the Year is announced at the annual awards dinner in Indianapolis.