UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Saginaw Valley State University senior track & field and cross country standout Alycia Wright (Macomb Township, Mich./Lutheran High North) has received the SVSU institutional nomination for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award. This award honors a senior female student-athlete who has distinguished herself throughout her collegiate career in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.

Wright holds many Saginaw Valley track and field school records, including the indoor 800 meter run and distance medley relay as well as the outdoor 800 meter and 1500 meter competitions. Alycia was also part of the 2011 SVSU women's cross country team that qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships in for the first time in school history, finishing 13th overall in the country.

"Being a student athlete is not only about learning in the classroom or competing for first place," said Wright. "It is about building experiences in life to become a better person."

The two-time track and field All-American has also been a leader in the community as she has been involved in various projects, including Cards Who Care, McRest, Vacation Bible School, Trunk-or-Treat and reading to special needs children, which she says has had the most influence on her life.

"Community service has taught me that life is bigger than just living for yourself it includes the impact you have on others," stated Wright.

Wright currently has a 3.5 grade-point-average and will graduate in August with a degree in Exercise Science. She has excelled academically earning President's List (4.0 GPA) recognition four times throughout her career as well as GLIAC All-Academic honors all four years.

Alycia will finish out her career in athletics when she competes at the NCAA Division II National Championships May 24-26 in Pueblo, Colorado.