The event, held at the Westin – Indianapolis, honored both the top 30 semifinalists as well as this year’s NCAA Woman of the Year, Kristin Day from Clarion University. Jessica Mendoza, ESPN’s MLB color analyst and former USA softball gold medal winner, emceed the annual ceremony.
“Indianapolis was a phenomenal experience,” said Verdoia. “I had the chance to connect with women around the country who continue to change this world in so many ways, and I was lucky enough to develop life-long friendships in a short amount of time.”
Verdoia was supported at the event by her parents as well as Seattle U Athletics Director Bill Hogan, Assistant Athletics Director Erin Engelhardt, and Western Athletic Conference Senior Associate Commissioner Connie Hurlbut.
“Additionally, I was supported by Bill Hogan, Erin Engelhardt, Connie Hurlbut, and my parents, which reminded me of the support that allowed me to step onto that stage with the other 29 incredible women. I was proud to represent Seattle University and the Western Athletic Conference and exemplify the amazing opportunities that can be granted within those institutions.”
Academically, Verdoia graduated in 2015 with a political science degree and a 3.97 cumulative GPA. A 2015 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship winner, she also received the Kennedy Award, which is awarded to the highest GPA among political science majors at Seattle U.
Athletically, she left Seattle U as the program’s career leader in goals (51) and points (132) and her single season record-breaking 22 goals in 2014 earned her second in the nation among Division I women’s soccer players.
She received both the prestigious Capital One Academic All-American of the Year® Award and the Senior CLASS Award in 2014, also named a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Third Team All-American during her senior season. Professionally, she now competes for the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL’s) Boston Breakers.
“It was a picture perfect way to end my career as a student-athlete in the NCAA, surrounded by those who made the journey worth it.”
The award recognizes graduating female student-athletes for excellence in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership. The top 30 (10 from each of the NCAA’s three divisions) was narrowed from a record 480 school nominees.
Click the attached photo gallery for more photos from the event.