Quanera Hayes, a former Livingstone College student-athlete who won several national titles while at the school, has been nominated along with nearly 150 other women for the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year title.
Hayes ran track for four years at Livingston, dominating in the 400 meters and winning the national title in the event several times. She also captured the 200 meters national title a few weeks after graduating on May 2.
In addition to athletic requirements, nominees for the award must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The top 30 nominees will be announced in September, with a winner named in Indianapolis on Oct. 18.
In June, Hayes earned a spot on the United States 400 meter relay team that will compete in Beijing at the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Championships Aug. 22-30.
In a statement Thursday, Livingstone President Jimmy Jenkins Sr. called Hayes an “outstanding student-athlete” who continues to spark pride on the Salisbury campus.
“It was exciting to watch her on TV when she competed at the USA Championships, an event at which it’s uncommon to see Division II athletes,” he said. “The NCAA Woman of the Year award isn’t simply based on athletic prowess but also takes academics and service and leadership into consideration. We’re excited about her chances and wish her the best.”
Said Hayes: “I’m grateful to God to be nominated for such a prestigious award. Of course I would love to win, but just being recognized among such a talented group of women is an honor and a blessing.”
