INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Sept. 25, 2014) - For the second-consecutive year, an LIU Post women's lacrosse student-athlete has been named a finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Former standout Jackie Sileo (Wantagh, N.Y.) earned a nod as one of the final nine, it was revealed by the NCAA on Thursday.

Sileo joins 2013 Top-9 selection Bridgett Soares as the two Pioneer women's lacrosse players to be recognized for the prestigious accolade in back-to-back years. She and the other eight finalists will assemble on Oct. 19 in Indianapolis for the official ceremonial announcement of the 2014 NCAA Woman of the Year Award.

"I am very humbled and shocked to be a Top-9 honoree," Sileo said. "It is an incredible honor to represent LIU Post and Division II, as well as the sport of lacrosse in receiving this recognition. It is a testament to my coaches and incredibly-talented teammates. They deserve just as much credit as I do."

Sileo later added: "It is probably one of the most prestigious accomplishments that I have been considered for. I never thought I would have had this opportunity, let alone be one of Top-9 honorees for the award."

A two-time team captain and NCAA Division II National Champion (2012 & 2013), Sileo will be remembered as one of the premier players at her position, not only at LIU Post, but in NCAA women's lacrosse lore. Over her four seasons in a Pioneer uniform, she tallied 195 goals (14 game-winners) and 369 assists for a total of 564 points.

Her career point and assist totals rank No. 1 all-time in NCAA history, spanning all three divisions (I, II, III). Sileo broke the career scoring mark on Apr. 2, 2014 with an eight-point showing at Dowling. That output moved her past Division III record-holder Ashley Hansbury's 500-point clip. Furthermore, the Wantagh native owns LIU Post's all-time and single-season records for points and assists as well.

Her athletic accolades span that of a child's Christmas wish list to Santa Claus. Sileo was a three-time East Coast Conference Player of the Year and IWLCA Attacker of the Year. She was also named to the IWLCA All-Region and All-America teams for four years in succession, while twice being chosen as a finalist for the Honda Division II Athlete of the Year Award.

Sileo's on-field success has been matched by her accomplishments off the field and in the classroom. She completed her undergraduate studies with a bachelor's degree in Psychology (3.68 grade-point average), and is currently pursuing a master's in School Counseling (4.0 grade-point average). In addition, Sileo continues to participate in numerous community services initiatives. Some of those include volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald House and with Hurricane Sandy Relief, while participating in walks for Lupus and suicide awareness.

"Having two players in a row being named finalists in consecutive years is an incredible accomplishment for the University and the women's lacrosse program," Head Coach Meghan McNamara (East Northport, N.Y.) stated. "To be able to have been a part of their (Jackie and Bridgett) lives, and see the impact of their contribution to the sport, sportsmanship and their teammates is a wonderful honor. Having Jackie in the Top-9 displays who she really is and how valuable she is to the community as well."

Assistant Coach Alyssa Kildare (Farmingdale, N.Y.) commented about Sileo's achievement with similar words. "It's almost unbelievable. It is very impressive and such an outstanding accomplishment...Athletes don't come around as often as she does. Being a Top-9 honoree for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award is a testament to who she is, not only as a lacrosse player, but as a person and a leader."

For the full release on the Top-9 finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, please click here.