Northwestern University Athletics

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Holmes Earns NCAA Elite 90 Award for Second Straight Year

5/25/2023 6:18:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse

CARY, N.C. – Northwestern women's lacrosse junior Leah Holmes was honored as the recipient of the NCAA Elite 90 Award for the 2023 NCAA Division I Championship on Thursday afternoon in Cary. Holmes won the award for the second straight year becoming only the second student-athletes to win the award multiple times (Zoe Stukenberg, Maryland).
 
The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
 
Holmes carries a 3.99 GPA and is a journalism major. She was presented the award at Northwestern's practice day on Thursday. Lacrosse's Sara Szynal is the only other Wildcat to win the award in any championship in 2019.
 
Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their institution. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship.
 
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