INDIANAPOLIS—Sarah Lawrence College student-athlete Gabrielle Risica (Narragansett, R.I./Narragansett) has been selected as a nominee for the 2017 NCAA Woman of the Year Award, as announced by the Association on Tuesday.

This year, 543 honorees were nominated by member schools across all three divisions, the most ever in the history of the Woman of the Year program. Risica is one of 197 nominees selected from roughly 450 Division III schools. The nominees included 229 from Division I and 117 from Division II.

Risica was a four-year member of the women's swimming program. In the pool, she was a four-time all-conference athlete including three straight selections to the Skyline All-Conference Second Team. She finished her career as part of three of the team's relay records. A Skyline Academic Honor Roll selection, Risica graduated in May after concentrating her undergraduate curriculum on chemistry and health sciences.

In the community, Risica participated in the health and science after-school program at nearby San Andreas Episopal Church and in conjunction with the Eastchester Community Action Partnership. As part of the program, she helped elementary-age children with work in math, reading and writing. In addition, she planned lessons about health and science for students in kindergarten up to fifth grade.

"We couldn't be more proud to nominate Gabby for this award," remarked Director of Athletics Kristin Maile. "Her commitment to swimming, science, and the community make her the perfect representative for Sarah Lawrence College."

Risica's athletic accomplishments also included three Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Swimming Invitational titles in 2013, helping the team to its fifth straight conference title. In the Skyline Conference, she was a consistent contributor, achieving individual accomplishments while playing a critical role in the team's relays. She placed as a runner-up in three-straight Skyline Championships and garnered individual recognition as Skyline Swimmer of the Week and Metropolitan Conference All-Academic.

The Woman of the Year Award program was established in 1991, and this summer marks its 27th year.

Student-athletes are considered based on four primary criteria: academics, athletics, service and leadership. A student-athlete may only be nominated once in her career.

Risica's nomination proceeds to consideration by the Executive Committee of the Skyline Conference. Each participating NCAA conference will select one or two nominees to advance for national consideration later this summer.