Acknowledgment of Excellence: Big South Conference Honors Women Athletes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Big South Conference has recognized outstanding female student-athletes by awarding High Point University’s Esprit Cha the title of Woman of the Year, along with Radford’s Meredith Page. The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon.
Selection Criteria
The selection was determined by the Big South Selection Committee, which evaluated candidates based on several factors, including:
- Community service and leadership
- Academic accomplishments
- Athletic performance
- A personal statement submitted by each candidate
As the conference’s nominees, both Cha and Page will represent the Big South in consideration for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award.
A Proud Legacy
Esprit Cha stands out as the fourth recipient from High Point University to earn this recognition, following previous honorees Abby Bottomley (2020-21), Sarah Kahn (2022-23), and Callie Scheier (2023-24). Notably, Cha is the first women’s lacrosse player from HPU to receive this prestigious award.
Esprit Cha’s Reflections
“I am honored to be recognized by the Big South and to represent High Point University in such a meaningful way,” Cha expressed. “This award reflects a truly transformational chapter in my life, where I faced challenges, experienced growth, and shaped my character as a student-athlete. I am grateful to my mentors, teammates, and professors, especially Dr. Qubein, for instilling values-based leadership in me.”
Academic and Athletic Accomplishments
Cha has excelled academically, graduating summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biology and a GPA of 3.85 in December 2024. Currently, she is pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Management with a perfect GPA of 4.0 while preparing for medical school.
As a notable leader within her team, Cha has demonstrated commitment both on and off the field. Her athletic accolades include being a two-time All-Big South selection and participating in the 2022 Women’s Lacrosse World Championship, where she served as the leading scorer for Team Korea.
Community Engagement
Cha has been actively involved in various community service initiatives throughout her college years. Her contributions include:
- Volunteering at Little Potion’s Farm and Hospice of the Piedmont
- Organizing the annual Mason Run 5K for Friends of Jaclyn Foundation
- Serving as a Physics tutor and peer mentor for underrepresented STEM students at HPU
- Participation in outreach initiatives for Habitat for Humanity and the West End Ministries Soup Kitchen
- Contributing to HPU’s MLK Day of Giving Seed Packing event
- Volunteering at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Institute
- Coaching at Hero’s Club lacrosse
A Record of Success
In her four years as a Panther, Cha played in 64 games, scoring 131 goals and providing 30 assists, leading to a total of 161 points. Additionally, she scooped up 59 ground balls and caused 31 turnovers.
About the NCAA Woman of the Year Program
Since its inception in 1991, the NCAA Woman of the Year program has celebrated female student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership. The Top 30 honorees will be selected by the NCAA Woman of the Year Selection Committee from the conference nominees and announced in the fall.
The honorees will later be recognized at a ceremony during the NCAA Convention in January. Historically, the Big South Conference first had a national finalist in 2005, showcasing its commitment to honoring exemplary women in sports.
Historical Context
The following table outlines past Big South Conference Women of the Year:
| Year | Winner | Second Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | Carrie Selmer, Winthrop (cross country) | |
| 2024-25 | Meredith Page, Radford (volleyball) | Esprit Cha, High Point (lacrosse) |
