WWU's Audrey Coon identified for NCAA Woman of the Year honors

Western Washington University rower Audrey Coon is one of more than 100 student-athletes representing multiple sports in all three divisions selected as a nominee for the 20th annual NCAA Woman of the Year award.

The NCAA Woman of the Year award honors senior student-athletes for their collegiate achievements in service, leadership, athletics and academics.

Coon is one of 117 student-athletes identified from a record 452 nominees by their conferences and by independent institutions. Western is considered an independent in women's rowing.

Later this month 30 finalists - 10 nominees from each of the NCAA's three divisions - will be named. The top nine - three each from Divisions I, II and III - will be honored and the 2010 NCAA Woman of the Year announced at a dinner in Indianapolis on Oct. 17.

Coon, who attended Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, led Western to three consecutive national rowing titles between 2007 and 2009 and was a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association All-American in 2009. During her three years seated in the varsity eight shell, the Vikings did not lose to a non-Division I school.

Academically, Coon maintained a 3.96 (4.0 scale) grade point average, earning a degree in Spanish and Elementary Education and graduating Magna Cum Laude last December. Among her numerous academic awards, she twice earned CoSIDA Academic All-American honors and was a three-time CoSIDA District 8 Academic All-District selection.

Throughout her career, Coon was active in numerous community service and campus projects, including serving on the WWU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and on the WWU Women's Rowing Annual Food Drive.

For more information, check out the WWU Athletics website.

WWU NCAA Woman of the Year Nominees

• 2005-06: Jessica Telleria, Track and Field
• 2007-08: Courtney Schneider, Volleyball
• 2009-10: Audrey Coon, Rowing