Erin Cartwright-Davis Named NCAA Woman of the Year for the State of Utah

Former Utah State University volleyball standout Erin Cartwright-Davis was named the NCAA Woman of the Year for the state of Utah it was announced on Monday (Sept. 13). It is the first time in the 14-year history of the award that a Utah State student-athlete has won the award for the state of Utah.

 

This prestigious award honors outstanding female student-athletes who have excelled in academics, athletics and community leadership, and have completed their collegiate athletics eligibility. Colleges and universities nominated 276 student-athletes for this year's award and a committee comprised of representatives from member schools selected the state winners.

 

"It's a honor to represent Utah State University as the NCAA Women of the Year for the state of Utah," said Cartwright-Davis. "This award is a reflection of all the people who have influenced my life from my family and friends to my teammates and coaches. I couldn't think of a better way to conclude my college career."

 

A native of Wellsville, Utah, Cartwright-Davis was named an honorable mention All-American as a senior in 2003, marking the first time in 23 years that a Utah State player has received All-America honors. She was also a two-time first-team all-Big West selection, a two-time academic all-league honoree, and the Big West Female Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2002 and 2003.

 

Cartwright-Davis received her degree from Utah State in the spring of 2004 in family and consumer sciences. She was a member of the dean's list and honor roll in 2002 and 2003 and graduated cum laude with honors carrying a 3.692 grade point average.

 

Along with her accomplishments on the court and in the classroom, Cartwright-Davis was also very active in the community serving on numerous committees and organizations including the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Student-Athlete Mentor Program, Aggie Ambassadors, Utah State Institute Student Council, and is a ward missionary and visiting teacher coordinator for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

"We are thrilled that Erin has been recognized with such a prestigious award for all of her outstanding accomplishments in academics, athletics and leadership," said Utah State senior associate athletics director for internal operations Mary Ellen Cloninger. "Having interacted with Erin through our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and our Student-Athlete Mentoring Program, I can personally attest to the outstanding manner in which she has represented USU in all areas, but particularly in the many community outreach projects. Erin was, herself, the beneficiary of former student mentors and encouraged to strive to reach her potential. She responded in all areas of her life and has now left her own legacy of excellence for those who follow."

 

A national winner — the NCAA Woman of the Year — will be selected by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics from among 10 finalists. The top 10 finalists will be announced September 15. The national winner will be announced at the 2004 NCAA Woman of the Year dinner Sunday, October 31, at The Indianapolis Westin. This is the 14th year that this award — one of the top honors the NCAA bestows — will be given.