Sept. 15, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -

Former women's lacrosse player Julie Shank has been named the state of Maryland's Woman of the Year for 2003 by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics. Shank is now among 51 student-athletes representing the 50 states and Washington, D.C., eligible to be named NCAA Woman of the Year.

At Maryland, Shank was a member of two NCAA titles in 2000 and 2001 and helped the Terps to another Final Four appearance in 2003 as a team captain. She was selected as a third team All-American by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) in 2003. She earned All-ACC honors in 2003 and was named to the ACC All-Tournament team in 2002 and 2003.

In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Shank has maintained a 3.86 GPA in marketing and psychology and becoming an IWLCA academic All-American. The Arnold, Md., native was named the University of Maryland's female Student-Athlete of the Year in 2003 and earned the President's Cup for Academic-Athletic Excellence and Golden Key awards.

The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select 10 finalists from the pool of 51 in late September. The national winner will be announced at the 2003 NCAA Woman of the Year dinner Saturday, November 1, at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. This is the thirteenth year that this award - one of the top honors the NCAA bestows - will be given.

This prestigious award honors outstanding female student-athletes who have excelled in academics, athletics and community leadership, and have completed their collegiate athletics eligibility. Over 340 student-athletes were nominated for this year's award by their colleges and universities. A committee comprised of representatives from member schools selected the state winners.