Boise State Nominates Serena Huchingson for NCAA Woman of Year
8/11/2023 1:00:00 PM | General, Softball, Broncos United
BOISE, Idaho - Serena Huchingson, a recent Boise State graduate from Newbury Park, Calif., has been nominated by Boise State Athletics as its candidate for the 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year.Â
The NCAA Woman of the Year program was established in 1991 and honors the academic achievements, athletics excellence, community service and leadership of graduating female college athletes from all three divisions.
Huchingson, a four-time Academic All-Mountain West selection, graduated with a 3.82 GPA. She will attend Duke University for an advanced degree in the accelerated nursing program this fall.Â
Not only is academics a vital pillar of the Woman of the Year award, candidates are also high achievers in their respective sport as well as through service and leadership.
Huchingson was tabbed All-Pacific Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and played an instrumental role in the team's 2023 Mountain West regular season championship. She batted .313 with nine home runs and 38 RBI. Defensively, she threw out 39.3% of runners attempting to steal.
Off the field, Huchingson tallied an incredible 107 hours of community service during the year to lead the department.Â
Huchingson spent much of her volunteer time helping local students through Operation School Bell and serving as a pen pal to elementary school students. Her drive to help others has been evident throughout her time at Boise State and has helped prepare her for the future as a nurse.
Next, conferences will select up to two nominees each from their pool of school nominees, if at least one of the nominees is a woman of color or international student-athlete.Â
The Woman of the Year selection committee will then choose 10 women from each division to make up the top 30 to be announced in October. The selection committee will determine the top three honorees in each division announced in November, and the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will determine the 2023 NCAA Woman of the Year. The Woman of the Year will be celebrated at the 2024 NCAA Convention in January.
To be eligible, a nominee must have competed and earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and must have earned her undergraduate degree by Summer 2023. Additional information about the NCAA Woman of the Year program is available here. Continue reading to learn how Boise State impacted Serena.
2023 NCAA Woman of The Year AwardÂ
Essay by Serena Huchingson
How has your experience as a scholar, athlete, leader on campus and in the community influenced your life and empowered you to have a positive impact on the world?Â
Over the last five years at Boise State University, I have been given the opportunity to be a scholar, athlete and leader both on and off the field. This experience has been so impactful on my life, transforming me in ways I cannot fully put into words. I feel so grateful for all of the people, connections and opportunities I have come across during my time here at Boise State.Â
The thing that fuels my heart and brings me fulfillment is from helping those in need through giving back to my community. Whether that is volunteering at the local hospital, helping raise money for a child to grant their wish through Make-A-Wish Foundation, or assisting young children from lower-income areas to go shopping for new clothes and essentials at Operation School Bell. All of these opportunities have one thing in common, the chance to meet and hear incredible people's stories, make connections, gain new life perspectives, and touch lives. Something I take a lot of pride in is helping touch as many lives as possible in my lifetime, even if it is as small as offering a smile, a hug or engaging in a short conversation. Â
Not only have I been fortunate enough to leave a lasting impact on many individuals, they may not even realize that they have left a lasting impact on my life, especially during some of my most challenging times. One time that comes to mind is when I tore my UCL and underwent Tommy John Surgery, which led to me sitting out a year and having to go through intense rehabilitation. During this time, I met some inspiring people who encouraged and motivated me to persevere during this time which was pivotal in me bouncing back. Although the injury challenged me physically, mentally and emotionally, I learned from these individuals that even in the darkest moments, there is always something to be learned and gained. This experience taught me resilience, leadership from the sidelines and a deeper understanding of the game, which ultimately led to greater success in the following years.
Another life changing moment for me was when I had the privilege to meet a young girl who was a huge Boise State softball fan. She spent a significant amount of time in the hospital due to an infection she was battling. My teammates and I were lucky enough to visit her regularly and her positivity and enthusiasm for life had an impact on me. Her joyful interactions with the nurses sparked my passion to pursue my career in nursing. My drive to help others has always been there, but this encounter of seeing the nurse care for her and seeing the joy and comfort this young girl had from the nurse, solidified my decision to apply to nursing school. This led me to be accepted into Duke University's ABSN nursing program that I am so excited to start this fall. Without being given this opportunity I may have never found that true inspiration to attend nursing school.  Â
Looking back on my time here at Boise State University, from the second I stepped on campus to now, I never would have expected to be as involved in my school and athletic department. Whether that was me being on our BSU Executive Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Mountain West SAAC, or on the leadership committee for softball over the last 5 years, I have been able to leave my mark and make a significant contribution to better my community.Â
Initially, volunteering was a requirement, but it quickly transformed into a genuine desire to give back. Leadership was something I struggled with in my early years, as I was more of a leader by example and quieter. Through personal growth and challenges I faced; I have evolved into a more confident leader to help lead those around me.Â
My leadership, community involvement, athletics and academics was highlighted in two awards I received from my fellow student-athletes and athletic department staff members/coaches this past spring known as the Unsung Hero and the Female Blue Collar Award. I was honored that all my hard work, time, commitment and loyalty to this amazing school was recognized and that by being the best student-athlete I can, will help show others how impactful your time as a student-athlete can be if you choose to spread yourself out in all areas. Â
Boise State has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the person I am today, allowing me to be part of a lively community and lead me to have met countless inspiring individuals along the way. They have taught me the importance of embracing every moment, living life to the fullest, and not taking things too seriously. Every day is an opportunity to make a genuine connection and impact those around us.Â
As I look ahead to the future, I eagerly anticipate continuing my commitment to giving back through volunteering, leadership, and striving to be the best version of myself.
Serena Huchingson
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