Caitlin McCleary (The Dalles, Ore.), a four-year letterwinner for the Seattle University women's golf team, has been named a nominee for the 2012 Woman of the Year Award, announced recently by the NCAA.
McCleary is one of 429 female student-athletes who will be considered for this year's honor by the Woman of the Year selection committee. The committee will announce the 30 semifinalists spanning Divisions I, II, and III in early September, followed soon afterwards by the selection of nine finalists. Finally, members of the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will vote from among the finalists to determine the 2012 NCAA Woman of the Year, which will be announced at the annual ceremony in Indianapolis Oct. 14.
McCleary capped off her collegiate playing career by winning three tournaments during the 2011-12 season, the first Seattle U golfer to win a Division I golf tournament since 1980. At the 2012 West Coast Conference Championships, she ended 54-hole stroke play in a tie for first place before finishing second after a playoff.
In the classroom, McCleary graduated with cum laude honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. She has done volunteer work for the Tree of Giving Program, The Dalles Country Club Junior Golf Program, and the East Fir Street Shelter and After School Program.
The NCAA Woman of the Year Award honors graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.
In recent years, Seattle U student-athletes have been recognized by the Woman of the Year Award program. In 2007, Ana Gutierrez of the women's soccer team was one of the nine finalists for the award, while Jackie Thomas of the women's basketball team earned a spot as one of the 30 semifinalists in 2008.
McCleary, along with incoming freshman Clare Sorensen (Roseville, Calif.), is in final preparations for the 2012 U.S. Women's Amateur at The Country Club in Cleveland, Ohio, Aug. 6-12.
