Western Colorado University’s Alicja Konieczek was named a conference honoree for the 2019 NCAA Woman of the Year. The award highlights the academic achievements, athletic excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female athletes across all three NCAA divisions. This year, a record 585 student athletes were recognized.
Konieczek was one of 151 conference level honorees selected, in part because of her outstanding athletic achievements while at Western. Among her accomplishments: the distance runner claimed the RMAC Cross Country Championship title and a top podium spot at the NCAA Division II South Central Region’s Cross Country Championship last season.
Though Konieczek was not selected to continue to the group of the Top 30 candidates, her contributions to the Gunnison community and ability to inspire others impressed the selection committee.
“You’ve demonstrated a commitment to excellence,” said Craig Malveaux of the NCAA in an email.
The selection committee will announce the top three finalists from Division I, Division II and Division III in early September. The 2019 NCAA Woman of the Year will be chosen from that final group and will be announced at an awards dinner in Indianapolis on Oct. 20.
Congratulations to Alicja! You make the Western community proud.
