2010 Woman of the Year, Justine Schluntz
Justine Schluntz, University of Arizona
Conference: Pacific-10 Conference
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Sport: Swimming and Diving
Schluntz, a 2010 Rhodes Scholar, will research the viability of harnessing tidal energy from the oceans to use as a renewable resource at Oxford University. She was a finalist for the Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship and the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. The University of Arizona presented Schluntz with the Robie Medal at commencement, which is given to a student who exhibits “promise for the future.”
Schluntz was an NCAA National Champion for the 200- and 400-meter medley relay two consecutive years and was named to the Pac-10 First Team All-Academic Swim Team for three consecutive years. A 16-time NCAA all-American, she helped Arizona win the 2008 Division I women's team championship.
In addition to being named Athletics Academic Champion and Distinguished Scholar, she was named the Athletics Valedictorian at the University of Arizona and graduated summa cum laude.
A record 473 college and university nominees were received for the 21st annual NCAA Woman of the Year award that will be presented in October.
The NCAA Woman of the Year award honors female student-athletes who have completed their eligibility, demonstrated academic and athletics excellence and engaged in community service and leadership opportunities.
Last year's award – among the most prestigious the NCAA bestows – was presented during the 20th annual NCAA Woman of the Year event October 17, 2010 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Initially, a committee of representatives from NCAA schools and conferences selected nine finalists from a pool of 30 honorees. Those individuals were identified from an initial pool of 131 conference and independent honorees representing all three NCAA divisions and multiple sports.
This year's NCAA Woman of the Year has been awarded to Justine Schluntz.
Related links for 2010 Woman of the Year
This year's NCAA Woman of the Year has been awarded to Justine Schluntz.
Nine finalists chosen for 2010 NCAA Woman of the Year
NCAA selects top 30 honorees for the 2010 Woman of the Year
NCAA announces conference Woman of the Year honorees
The Woman of the Year Legacy Garden is located in front of the NCAA Hall of Champions in White River State Park. A community service activity provides middle school students the opportunity to join the NCAA Woman of the Year honorees October 16 in a day that includes planting seasonal flowers, bulbs, mulching and cleaning of the park.
