BRETTON WOODS, N.H. – University of Maine standout Holly Stewart (North Vancouver, British Columbia) of the field hockey team was named the 2015 America East Woman of the Year at the annual conference meetings on Tuesday night. She becomes the first Maine student-athlete to be named America East Woman of the Year, which was established in 2006.
In addition, Naja Harvey (Orono, Minn.) of the swimming and diving team was runner up for America East Woman of the Year.
The honor recognizes the conference’s senior female student-athlete who has best distinguished herself throughout her collegiate career in the areas of academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership.
Three finalists were selected from a pool of the 11 America East institutional nominations, which were announced on May 12. To be nominated, student-athletes must have completed intercollegiate eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2015 spring season, received her undergraduate degree prior to the conclusion of the summer 2015 term and had a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.500 (4.000 scale).
Stewart, who graduated in December with a degree in kinesiology and physical education – exercise science, finished with a 3.97 grade point average. She was a 2014 Academic All-American and named an America East President Scholar-Athlete in December. She was a two-time America East First Team selection and named an All-Region selection. She was a member of SAAC while at the University of Maine.
Stewart is currently competing with the Canadian National Team, trying to earn a berth in the upcoming Olympic games.
Stewart will be forwarded to the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee. The selection committee will select the top 10 winners in each NCAA division (I, II and III). From among those 30 honorees, the selection committee will determine the top three in each division. Finally, the members of the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics will vote from among the top nine to determine the 2014-15 NCAA Woman of the Year.
Year-by-Year America East Woman of the Year Honorees
2015 Holly Stewart, University of Maine (field hockey)
2014 Olivia Burne, Stony Brook University (cross country/track & field)
2013 Katie Matthews, Boston University (cross country/track & field)
2012 Lucy Van Dalen, Stony Brook (cross country/track & field)
2011 Nikki Branchini, Albany (lacrosse)
2010 Emily Pallotta, Boston U. (soccer)
2009 Kristen Millar, Vermont (lacrosse)
2008 Sarah Hudak, Boston U. (field hockey)
2007 Marisa Ryan, Boston U. (cross country/track & field)
2006 Ashlee Reed, Albany (volleyball)
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field.
The University of Maine is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2015. In conjunction with this, the athletic department will celebrate 150 student-athletes achievements over the next year.
