Graduating basketball player Alexa Golden was one of the record 585 athletes nominated for the NCAA Women of the Year award. 

The award recognizes women athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and succeeded in athletics, academics, and community service throughout their career (kentstatesports.com) Golden completed her masters degree this past year in sport and recreation management. She completed her undergraduate degree from Kent State in criminal justice in December 2017. 

Golden finished her basketball career with unprecedented accomplishments on the court. She was the only Kent State player to finish her career with 500 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 200 steals and 100 three-point field goals. 

The Woman of the Year selection committee will narrow the group down to the Top 30 (the top 10 athletes from each of the three divisions). The selection committee will then select the nine finalists in September(the top three athletes from each division).  They will announce who will be the NCAA Woman of the Year on October 20 in Indianapolis.

Micheal Reiner is a columnist. Contact him at [email protected].