INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.--UH Hilo women's basketball standout Lauren Hong has been nominated for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year Award.

The Cerritos, Calif. native played two seasons for the Vulcans, graduating this past spring with a 3.89 grade point average in her major of Psychology. She was the team captain both years, and was also a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, volunteered for the Special Olympics, and was involved with her team in numerous community service projects. She was the UHH women's basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year.

The NCAA Woman of the Year Award is presented to one woman from an impressive pool of NCAA Division I, II and III nominees. To be nominated, the student-athlete has to exempilfy the highest levels of academics, athletics, service and leadership. 544 nominees are in the running this year, with an average GPA of 3.69. Established in 1991 and now in its 27th year, the NCAA Woman of the Year award honors graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and have distinguished themselves in throughout their collegiate careers.

Hong, who averaged 10 points a game as a junior but had a senior season laden with injuries, has spent most of her life serving as a camp coordinator in Hawai`i, southern California and even Mexico. She has helped feed the homeless and volunteered as a tutor for children.

"Being a student-athlete has not been easy, but I have learned to fight through the challenges and adversities to make the most of my opportunities," Hong said. "My athletic career has been filled with knee injuries and a few concussions, and lots of extra work to be able to return to the court. I have been humbled and supported by so many people, and it is truly an honor to represent Hawai`i Hilo and to be considered for this award."

The 5-foot-5 guard is a Dean's List honoree, a Psi Chi lifetime member and a two-time All-Pacific West Conference Scholar Athlete. She is fourth all-time on the UHH career list for free throw percentage (.774), and she once nailed 13 of 16 attempts in one contest (vs.Fresno Pacific), the second most free throws made in a game in school history.

The top 30 honorees (ten from each NCAA division) will be honored in October in Indianapolis, where NCAA Woman of the Year Award winner will be announced.