Two Virginia Commonwealth University athletes are among 17 Atlantic 10 Conference nominees for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Field hockey goalkeeper Sheridan Messier and track and field sprinter Simone Pierre represent VCU in the running for one of the NCAA’s most prestigious honors.

Messier, who earned a master’s in chemistry, was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team and All-Academic Team.

She posted a .747 save percentage in 2023, ranking 16th nationally with a 1.23 goals-against average.

Simone Pierre

Pierre, who graduated with a bachelor’s in health, physical education & exercise science, was named the 2024 A-10 Indoor Most Outstanding Track Performer. She won conference titles in the indoor 200m and 400m, and was part of the championship 4x100m relay team outdoors.

The A-10’s 17 nominees tie a league record set in 2023, representing nine sports across 13 member institutions.

Conference officials will select two finalists to represent the A-10 in the national competition. The NCAA will announce the top 30 honorees and eventual winner this fall.