Maehama Named Finalist For NCAA Woman of the Year

INDIANPOLIS—Barry’s Akemi Maehama was named as a Top-30 finalist in the 2014 NCAA Woman of the Year Competition. Maehama becomes the ninth Buccaneer to become a finalist for the award, the most among schools in all divisions.

From an original pool of 446 nominees, the list was pared down to 130 conference honorees. From there, 10 women were selected from each of the three divisions make up the top 30, spanning various NCAA sports.  Of the original 446, 205 competed in Division I, 75 competed in Division II, and 166 competed in Division III athletics.

The top 30 honorees reflect the pillars of the Woman of the Year award: outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, community service and leadership.

“I’m very honored to be representing Barry University as a student-athlete for the NCAA Woman of the Year award,” Maehama said. “It keeps me on my feet, knowing that I have to focus on the road ahead. I know that I still have to keep going, but I am extremely grateful to know that I have been selected as one of the top 30 candidates in the country.”

A top student, Maehama, who recently won an NCAA Post-graduate Scholarship, graduated from Barry in May with a degree in physical education. She carried a 3.91 GPA. In eight semesters, she was named to Barry’s President’s List (4.0 GPA) five times. She was an ITA Scholar All-American all four years and twice named to the CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-America team.

“I feel really lucky and blessed. I want to thank God for giving me a chance to be a part of this,” Maehama said. “I want to thank everyone who helped me through my undergraduate and athletic playing years, be it coaches, staff, faculty, friends and family. Attending Barry University was the best choice I could’ve made as it relates to my academic endeavors.”

Maehama completed her eligibility in the spring by helping the No. 1-ranked Buccaneers win the NCAA Division II National Championship, her second with the program. She finished her career as Barry’s all-time singles leader in winning percentage at .940. Maehama went 47-3 in her four years with the Bucs, having also been a part of a national championship team as a freshman.

In addition to her athletic and academic accomplishments, she was very active in community service. She earned the Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin Service Award at Barry’s 30^th Annual Athletic Awards Banquet. Vice-President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, she has been very active in coordinating, leading and participating in the service initiatives for the women’s tennis team. In addition to working at Camillus House on a regular basis, she participated in Miami Shores Community Day, Gobble Wobble 5K, Community Fest, Light the Night Walk, the holiday party for H.A.N.D.Y., MLK Day of Service and the Buc Walk Challenge. She conducted tennis clinics for Japanese. Her biggest project was an initiative to end hunger called Food for the Poor. Food for the Poor is the largest international relief agency in the United States.

“These women are perfect examples of NCAA student-athletes succeeding on the field, in the classroom and in life,” said Gloria Nevarez, NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee chair and senior associate commissioner for the Pac-12 Conference. “We are impressed by their outstanding achievements, and no matter the paths they take after college, we are confident that they will continue to lead their peers for many years to come.”

In late September, three finalists from each division will be selected to form the nine finalists for the award.  The 2014 Woman of the Year will be announced at an annual ceremony in Indianapolis Oct. 19.

“I wish all the competitors the best of luck as I know there are a lot of great candidates remaining for this award,” Maehama said. “I look forward to meeting them in Indianapolis.”

Below are all 30 finalists, with the Top 10 from NCAA Division II highlighted in red.