INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Selena Cerra of the Niagara women's golf team has been named a nominee for the 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year Award, announced on Tuesday.  

A record 543 female student-athletes were nominated for the 2017 Woman of the Year Award and, including Cerra, there are 10 nominees from the MAAC. The award honors graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and excelled in academics, athletics, service and leadership throughout college.

Cerra was an integral part of the Niagara women's golf team in her four years as a Purple Eagles and was consistently one of the team's top performers. In addition to her hard work on the course, she was heavily involved in extracurricular activities, participating in student government, Spanish club and countless other leadership opportunities.  Cerra, who graduated with a degree in Spanish Education, was a three-time member of the MAAC All-Academic Team, which honors student-athletes who have completed two or more semesters at their institution and achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher. She is currently working with Teach for America while pursuing her master's degree.

Following the announcement of the nominees, conferences will select up to two conference nominees each from the pool of school nominees. The Woman of the Year selection committee, made up of representatives from the NCAA membership, will then choose the top 30 honorees — 10 from each division.

From the top 30, the selection committee determines the top three honorees from each division and announces the nine finalists in September. The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics then chooses the 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year from those nine.

The top 30 honorees will be recognized and the 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year will be announced at the annual award ceremony Oct. 22 in Indianapolis.

Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and women's golf updates at @NUwomensgolf. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.