From a program-record pool of 605 school nominees, 160 college athletes have been named conference-level nominees for the 2020 NCAA Woman of the Year Award.

The nominees represent student-athletes from 21 different sports spanning all three NCAA divisions. Of those nominated, 58 nominees competed in Division I, 39 in Division II and 63 in Division III.

Stanislaus State's Sierra Adams has been selected as a conference-level nominee, joining Cal State San Marcos' Jaime Jacobs, representing the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

"Speaking for everyone in the CCAA, we are so proud to have our conference represented by two outstanding individuals like Jaime and Sierra," noted CCAA commissioner Mitch Cox. "Both of these ladies have performed at the highest level in the community, the classroom and their chosen sport, and are extremely excited about what the future holds for them."

Adams, who earned her degree in psychology with a concentration in developmental psychology was twice-named to the Stanislaus State Dean's List for her work in the classroom, and is a Presidential Scholar-Athlete for the Warriors. 

Hailing from Silverdale, Wash., Adams began her collegiate career at Maryland Eastern Shores for one year before finding a home at Stanislaus State. On the court for the Warriors, Adams compiled 691 career kills and 133 total blocks from her position on the right side.

She helped Stanislaus State to the 2018 CCAA Tournament where she was an All-Tournament Team performer en route to multiple accolades including her first of two All-CCAA and All-West Region selections, to go along with honorable mention All-American honors. As a senior, she paced the squad in kills and points per set and again saw her name on the All-American lists as the first Warrior to earn back-to-back distinction. 

In the community, Adams worked multiple camps through the YMCA and Stanislaus State, and was active in serving local Turlock nursing homes throughout her three years as a Warrior. She also held a part-time job at Stafford Healthcare for two years providing care for the elderly patients and residents to help the seniors feel comfortable and safe.

"Being a student-athlete, I have learned to work with others with communication, adaptability, and perseverance," Adams reflected. "These qualities empowered me and opened up opportunities that made a positive impact in my life and others around me. Besides enhancing my people skills and acquiring a quick change of pace, volleyball has brought the leader out in me I have always meant to be.

"Some important lessons I have learned are embracing change, good, bad, or indifferent, and being courageous and stepping out on faith when it looks like it can't be done. Finally, understanding it's okay to fall, but not to stay down. Like - life the game - keeps going, and there is no going back. When you make a mistake, learn from it and move on because there is no changing it."

For more information on Cal State San Marcos' nominee Jaime Jacobs, please visit GoCCAA.org

The NCAA Woman of the Year program is rooted in Title IX and has recognized graduating female college athletes for excellence in academics, athletics, community service and leadership since its inception in 1991.

Conferences can recognize two nominees if at least one is a woman of color or international student-athlete. All nominees who compete in a sport not sponsored by their school's primary conference, as well as associate conference nominees and independent nominees, were placed in a separate pool to be considered by a selection committee. Four nominees from the pool were selected to move forward in the process with the conference nominees.

The Woman of the Year Selection Committee, made up of representatives from the NCAA membership, will now choose the Top 30 honorees — 10 from each division — from the conference-level nominees. The Top 30 honorees will be announced in September. From there, the selection committee will narrow the pool to three finalists from each division. The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select the 2020 Woman of the Year from the nine finalists.

The Top 30 honorees will be celebrated and the 2020 NCAA Woman of the Year will be named this fall.

Stanislaus State
NCAA Woman of the Year Nominees

Year	Name	Sport
2009	Jasimen Bailey	Track & Field	Top 30 Finalist
2011	Briana McClain	Soccer	CCAA Nominee
2012	Verena Preikschas	Tennis	Top 9 Finalist
2014	Karenee Demery	Soccer	CCAA Nominee
2016	Channing Wilson	Track & Field	Top 30 Finalist
2017	Nicole Larson	Soccer	CCAA Nominee
2018	Jade Poon	Soccer	Top 30 Finalist
2020	Sierra Adams	Volleyball	CCAA Nominee