Belmont women’s soccer alumna Alison Alcott has been selected as a Top 30 honoree for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Woman of the Year award.
This award recognizes the academic achievements, athletic excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female college athletes from all three divisions.
“At first when I found out I was shocked because I knew how many other talented women were chosen by their schools to be nominated for this award,” said Alcott. “After the initial shock wore off, I was so honored and thankful.”
As a Belmont athlete, Alcott gained a unique sports experience. Her statistics throughout her last two years were some of the most impressive the team has seen. Alcott was a key player in every game during her college career. She was one of only two players to start and play in all 17 games as a freshman.
“Belmont provided me with the resources to grow as an athlete and better my soccer game over the course of the four years I played,” said Alcott. “My coaches have been so supportive and constructive that I felt that I was able to compete at such a high level and improve over the years.”
Alcott served as the team’s co-captain during her last season. Her teammates and coaches have recognized her determination on the field and appreciated her leadership.
“She would bring it every day,” said Belmont women’s soccer coach Heather Henson. “For a young lady to come into practice every day with the demands she had was amazing.”
Alcott is recognized by her friends and professors as someone who strived to be a friend both on and off the field.
“She encourages people around her to try and do their very best as she does,” said Belmont Faculty Athletics representative Rich Tiner. “She does this whether it be on the field or in the classroom.”
Alcott received various other recognitions during her time on the Belmont team, including the Ohio Valley Conference’s award for academic achievement in athletes. These awards recognized her academic achievements, as well as her leadership on the field.
“One of my favorite things about soccer is that it’s about so much more than the wins and losses,” said Alcott. “At the end of the day, the coaches and staff at Belmont value being well rounded and growing off the field just as much as on the field.”
Each of the Top 30 honorees for the NCAA Woman of the Year award will travel to Indianapolis on Oct. 18, where the Woman of the Year will be announced.
This article was written by Ally Pace. Photos courtesy of Belmont University Athletics.