NEW YORK, N.Y. - Senior Katie O'Donnell of the Maryland field hockey team was named the Women's Sports Foundation's Sportswoman of the Year award Tuesday night at the annual Salute to Women in Sports banquet at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

There was a definite Maryland flare to the ceremony as O'Donnell joined former Terp women's lacrosse standout Caitlyn McFadden as two of the five finalists for the prestigious award. Both student-athletes were joined at the event by their respective coaching staffs, family and Director of Athletics Kevin Anderson.

"What a wonderful honor to represent Maryland and the sport of field hockey," O'Donnell said. "I am so privileged to accept this award. I am extremely excited to take part in the Women's Sports Foundation from now on."

O'Donnell, the 2009 Honda Sports Award winner, won the Sportswoman of the Year award for her accomplishments from August 2009 through July 2010. During that time period, she helped lead the Terrapins to their first-ever 18-0 regular season record and an Atlantic Coast Conference championship. She led the NCAA in assists and points and broke the ACC's career assist record.

She is currently a starter for the U.S. Senior National team. Over the last year, she played in over 40 international games.

Other nominees included McFadden, USA Softball star Jennie Finch, Olympic hockey gold medalist Meghan Agosta, and Betsey Armstrong, goalkeeper for the U.S. Water Polo team.

"I was among some phenomenal athletes. I was star struck throughout the event and now I am one of them," O'Donnell said. "I want to send a big thank you to everyone who has gotten me to where I am today."

Past winners of the award include Olympic beach volleyball gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor, basketball stars Sue Bird, Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi and Sheryl Swoopes, as well as soccer star Mia Hamm and tennis players Serena and Venus Williams. For more information on the award and the banquet, please visit WomensSportsFoundation.org.