The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) recently nominated Virginia’s Natasha Subhash and Duke’s Jala Wright for the prestigious 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year Award, an honor that highlights the exceptional achievements of female student-athletes across various domains including academics, athletics, service, and leadership. These nominations underscore the dedication and hard work of Subhash and Wright, who have both made remarkable contributions to their respective sports and communities.
Natasha Subhash: A Paragon of Excellence in Tennis and Academics
Natasha Subhash, a standout player in women’s tennis at the University of Virginia, has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in accounting, Subhash’s academic achievements are commendable. She is a three-time CoSIDA Academic All-America honoree and a five-time ITA Scholar-Athlete, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence.
Her contributions to the UVA women’s tennis program are equally impressive. Subhash is a four-time ITA All-American and has the third-highest number of singles victories (117), the fourth-highest number of doubles wins (111), and the fourth-highest combined singles and doubles wins (228) in Virginia’s history. She was also named National Freshman of the Year in 2020 and received the 2023 Arthur Ashe Jr. Leadership and Sportsmanship Award.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Subhash has been actively involved in community service and leadership roles. She served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, participated in the Student-Athlete Leadership Academy, and volunteered with programs such as the ACE Program, Madison House, and the Xperience Special Olympics Tennis Clinic. Her dedication to mentoring fellow student-athletes at the McIntire School of Commerce further exemplifies her leadership qualities.
Jala Wright: Dominating the Softball Field and Beyond
Duke’s Jala Wright has left an indelible mark on the Blue Devils’ softball program. Graduating with a degree in sociology and a minor in journalism and media studies, Wright balanced her academic pursuits with outstanding athletic performance. She was named a 2024 CSC Academic All-American and a four-time NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete, highlighting her academic diligence.
Wright’s impact on the field is undeniable. In her final season at Duke, she achieved a remarkable 19-3 record with a 1.50 ERA, leading the team’s pitching staff in innings pitched, appearances, and strikeouts. Her exceptional performance earned her the titles of ACC Pitcher of the Year and ACC Tournament MVP, playing a crucial role in Duke’s second ACC Championship and their first-ever Women’s College World Series appearance.
Outside of her athletic achievements, Wright has been a pillar in community service and mentorship. She was involved with United Black Athletes, Purpose4Living, and served as a community service liaison for Team Impact. Additionally, she mentored young athletes through the Chasing Greatness Mentorship Program and participated in the Rubenstein-Bing Civic Engagement Program, completing a service project in Costa Rica.
Wright’s leadership extends to her role as the program director for Project Preseason, an orientation event for incoming first-year student-athletes at Duke. Her internship with Softball America and work as a freelance writer for the publication demonstrate her commitment to using her platform to inspire and inform others.
ACC’s Commitment to Excellence
“The ACC takes great pride in consistently recognizing our student-athletes, and specifically the exceptional women nominated by our member institutions for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “This year, Natasha and Jala were selected by the membership from an outstanding pool of talented women who embody the highest standards of achievement in collegiate athletics. The ACC applauds the incredible academic, athletic and community service accomplishments of Natasha, Jala, and all of this year’s league nominees.”
The ACC’s nomination of Subhash and Wright reflects the conference’s dedication to celebrating the achievements of its student-athletes. Both women emerged as the ACC’s candidates for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year Award following a vote of the league’s member schools, standing out among a strong list of 16 nominees from the conference.
Celebrating All Nominees
The full list of ACC nominees for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year Award includes:
- Kayla Martello, Lacrosse, Boston College
- Brianna Smith, Outdoor Track & Field, Duke
- Jala Wright, Softball, Duke
- Mallorie Black, Softball, Georgia Tech
- Carol Lee, Tennis, Georgia Tech
- Anna DeBeer, Volleyball, Louisville
- Sara Byrne, Golf, Miami
- Alexa Noel, Tennis, Miami
- Dorrit Eisenbeis, Field Hockey, North Carolina
- Kelsey Chmiel, Cross Country, NC State
- Jadin O’Brien, Track & Field, Notre Dame
- Chiamaka Nwokolo, Volleyball, Pitt
- Eefke van den Nieuwenhof, Field Hockey, Syracuse
- Natasha Subhash, Tennis, Virginia
- Alex Walsh, Swimming & Diving, Virginia
- Rachel Kuehn, Golf, Wake Forest
These nominees embody the spirit of the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, which was established in 1991 to honor graduating female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers.
Conclusion
The nominations of Natasha Subhash and Jala Wright for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year Award are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and excellence in various facets of their lives. Their stories inspire and set a benchmark for future generations of student-athletes. As the ACC continues to honor and support its athletes, the legacies of Subhash and Wright will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Source: theACC.com
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