NEWPORT NEWS, VA - Chowan University's Alison Kolezynski added yet another award to her already stout trophy case on Thursday afternoon after being named the 2012 CIAA Woman of the Year. Kolezynski earned the award for her commitment to academics, athletics, and her community.

Kolezynski recently graduated with honors with a degree in Business Administration and will serve as the Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Director of Athletic Communications for her alma mater starting in June.

"This is a tremendous honor for Allie. We are all very proud of her and accomplishments while at Chowan," stated Meredith Long, Deputy Athleics Director. "She embodies the very essence of the student-athlete experience and has dedicated her collegiate career to academics, athletics, and service."

Kolezynski is a three-time member of the CIAA Commissoner's Scholar-Athlete Team, a three time All-CIAA performer in the sport of softball, as well as a CoSida Capital One All American (2011).

"It is a great honor to have been selected as the CIAA Woman of the Year," said Kolezynski. "I'm appreciative and grateful for all of the opportunities that I have been blessed with. I am thankful to my coaches, my mentors, and my family for laying the groundwork to help me get where I am today."

Kolezynski served as the CU Student-Athlete Advisory Committmee President for two years and represented the CIAA on the D2 National SAAC. She was recently named the D2 National SAAC Vice-Chair and will continue to serve in that role for the next two years.

Over her four years she has completed countless hours of community service both through the CU SAAC and the Chowan Softball team.

The CIAA Woman of the Year is selected each year by a small committee made up of CIAA Senior Woman Administrators. This is the second year the award has been given. An $800 scholarship will be awarded in Kolezynski's name to a Chowan undergraduate female student who is majoring in Sport Science and Physical Education.

Kolezynski will now represent the CIAA in the National NCAA Woman of the Year contest. The national winner will be named in the Fall of 2012.