FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adelphi's Chelsea Abreu selected as one of nine finalists for NCAA Woman of the Year, and just one of three from NCAA Division II
Indianapolis, Ind. - Adelphi University women's lacrosse graduate Chelsea Abreu is among an elite class of just nine finalists for the 2019 NCAA Woman of the Year award, the national office announced Wednesday afternoon.
Abreu, who began the process as one of 585 nominees across all three NCAA divisions, is the first student-athlete in Adelphi's history to reach the Top 9 of the NCAA Woman of the Year selection process. Abreu will look to become just the second winner all-time from NCAA Division II, since the program's inception in 1991. Clarion University of Pennsylvania's Kristin Day was the first Division II female student-athlete to achieve the feat in 2015.
"It is humbling to be alongside such incredibly talented and deserving women that have broken multiple barriers in their respective sports and accomplished such great things over their careers at their respective schools," Abreu stated. "I am very grateful to everyone that has helped me get here -- my family, the University, my coaching staff and my teammates. Without their support, encouragement and guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today. A large part of my success is a reflection of their belief in me over the years. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to live out my dream on such a large scale."
Abreu also added: "Adelphi University is my home. It will always be my home. Hopefully, this national attention illustrates to the world just how wonderful this place is. Without Adelphi, I would not be in this position."
Abreu posted an impressive 3.98 grade-point average as a Business Management major at Adelphi, en route to being selected as the 2018-19 Northeast-10 Conference Woman of the Year. She was also a two-time NCAA Division II national champion and three-time NE10 Tournament champion over the course of her career in a Panther uniform.
"It's an honor for Adelphi to be represented by Chelsea Abreu at the NCAA Woman of the Year award ceremony. During her four years as a student-athlete, Chelsea proved to be a leader on and off the field," said Adelphi Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Danny McCabe. "The entire women's lacrosse team does a tremendous job of giving back to the community. Chelsea led that charge as team captain. On the field, Chelsea inspired her teammates to play their best when it mattered most. We are so proud Chelsea will always be a part of the Panther family."
Abreu will be joined by eight other finalists at a recognition ceremony on Oct. 20 in Indianapolis, where the 2019 NCAA Woman of the Year will be announced. They are:
- Virginia Elena Carta, Duke University golf
- Monica Feeley, Vassar College field hockey
- Marin McCoy, Swarthmore College women's soccer
- Angela Mercurio, University of Nebraska track and field
- Hannah Orbach, Kenyon College swimming and diving
- Krissy Ortiz, Lynn University golf
- Ginny Thrasher, West Virginia University rifle
- Hailey Tucker, Southwestern Oklahoma State University women's basketball
Established in 1991, the NCAA Woman of the Year award recognizes graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers.
- Release provided by Adelphi athletic communications
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 14 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 student-athletes compete in conference championships, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.