NESCAC Names Nominees for NCAA Woman of the Year and D3CA Women’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year
Hadley, Mass. — The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) has announced ten distinguished student-athletes who have been nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year and the Division III Commissioners Association (D3CA) Women’s Sports Student-Athlete of the Year awards. Among these nominees are Julia Jardina and Fiona Mejico, both representatives from Colby College.
A Celebration of Excellence
The NCAA Woman of the Year and D3CA awards recognize graduating student-athletes who have excelled in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership throughout their collegiate careers. This year, a committee made up of conference administrators will select the NESCAC’s representative for these prestigious honors.
Julia Jardina – Colby Women’s Lacrosse
Julia Jardina, a standout player for Colby Women’s Lacrosse, graduated with an impressive 3.94 GPA, earning cum laude honors as a major in neuroscience and Spanish. Her athletic accomplishments include being named a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American in 2024 and receiving All-District recognition in 2025. Jardina is also a three-time NESCAC All-Academic honoree.
As a team captain in her senior year, Jardina contributed to the community by participating in Colby’s National Girls & Women in Sports Day, mentoring in the Colby Cares About Kids program, and volunteering at Maine General Hospital. Her dedication extended to serving on the Colby Athletics Advisory Committee and tutoring Spanish Department students, as well as volunteering in a Spanish linguistics program while studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain.
On the field, Jardina’s impact was significant; she led the Mules to their inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Final Four in 2025. Additionally, she is a four-time All-American and the all-time leader in draw controls at Colby, finishing her career with 307. Moreover, the Mules reached the Elite Eight during her time with the program. Following her graduation, Jardina plans to attend dental school.
Fiona Mejico – Colby Women’s Track & Field
Fiona Mejico, competing in Colby Women’s Track & Field, graduated with a 3.77 GPA while majoring in Spanish and sculpture. Recognized as a two-time member of the Dean’s List, Mejico earned honors as a three-time NESCAC All-Academic Team member and received College Sports Communicators Academic All-District accolades.
Throughout her time at Colby, Mejico was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including serving as an officer in the pottery club, working as a teaching assistant in the sculpture studio, and showcasing her skills as a dedicated ceramicist. She also served as a team captain and acted as a panelist for National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
Her athletic prowess is highlighted by her achievements as an 11-time All-American. Mejico played a crucial role in Colby’s 4×400 NCAA Indoor Track & Field National Championship relay in 2025 and was part of the record-setting 4×200 relay team. Throughout her four years, she collected USTAFCCCA All-Region honors in both indoor and outdoor events and was named All-NESCAC six times, notably winning the 400-meter hurdles at the 2025 NESCAC Championships.
For the full details on the NESCAC nominations, visit the NESCAC website.
