Nazarian NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee

Syracuse lacrosse student-athlete Lila Nazarian is a nominee for the 2020 NCAA Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes female studentathletes who have distinguished themselves in academics, athletics and service leadership. Nazarian has certainly done that throughout her collegiate career.

The Baltimore, Md. native was part of the topranked defense in the nation in 2020, allowing just 7.00 goals per game. She played in all eight contests and recorded eight ground balls and three caused turnovers. Syracuse finished the shortened season with a 7-1 record and a No. 4 ranking in the final polls.

Off the field, Nazarian was a board member for the Student-athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was elected by her peers to lead the group’s civic engagement. She has played a key role in creating a field day for the Syracuse area Boys and Girls Club, collecting thousands of toiletries for a toiletry drive in partnership with Enactus, and creating a leadership development workshop for 100 freshman student-athletes.

In addition, Nazarian is a Lead Peer Mentor in the Maxwell School, providing leadership in academic and program-specific advising for mentors and mentees. She facilitated engagement-focused programs and worked with the mentor team and staff to develop the program in its second year.

In April, Nazarian was honored for contributions to Syracuse University and the surrounding community with the Senior Vice President’s Award for Outstanding Senior Leadership. The honor is part of the 44 Stars of Excellence Awards, acknowledging students, advisors, and recognized student organizations/greek chapters who demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to their organization and its mission.

NCAA member schools nominated a record 605 female college athletes for the 2020 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Conference offices will select up to two nominees each from their pool of member school nominees. Then, the Woman of the Year selection committee, made up of representatives from the NCAA membership, will choose the Top 30 honorees — 10 from each division.

From the Top 30, the Woman of the Year selection committee will determine the top three honorees in each division and announce nine finalists. The NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics then will choose the 2020 NCAA Woman of the Year, who will be named this fall.

Nazarian will return to the Orange in 2021, taking advantage of the NCAA’S ruling that spring sport student-athletes impacted by their seasons being halted due to COVID-19 could retain their eligibility from the year.