ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - NC Wesleyan College women's lacrosse senior athlete Ali Cucinotta was named as the 2020-21 Female Student-Athlete of the year, the NCWC athletics department announced on Tuesday. 

*This award honors an athlete's academics and athletic achievements and is separate from the Female Athlete of the Year award which will be announced next week. 

Cucinotta was the leader, captain, and school record holder in numerous categories on the lacrosse team while also keeping a 3.86 GPA majoring in Communicatons and Cinema Media Arts over her stellar Wesleyan career. She was also named to the USA South All-Academic Team during all four years as well.

Cucinotta led her team in goals (44), assists (16), points (60), ground balls (40), draw controls (55), caused turnovers (16), and shots (94) during the 2021 season. 

She also holds school career records in goals (195), assists (49), points (244), ground balls (206), draw controls (325), and caused turnovers (98) while also setting a school record for goals in a single game with 11.

Cucinotta recently graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in May of 2021 and is currently in Costa Rica as a mentor for a leadership academy for high school women's athletes for the summer. She has also served as the Student Coordinator of Videography and manager for the NCWC women's basketball team where she recorded games and produced videos.

"Having my coaches recognize my passion and leadership abilities in such a short period of time, empowered and motivated me to be the best captain and teammate I could be," Cucinotta said as she reflected on being named a captain as a freshman. "Throughout the next four years, I continuously gave that same power and support to my teammates."

Cucinotta also served as SAAC President for two years, SAAC Secretary for two, Dean of Students Search Committee, and was a Camp volunteer at Jane Addams Place (Pa.).

Schedule of Award Announcements:

June 30: Jim Sabiston Award Winner 

July 1: Male Student-Athlete of the Year

July 6: Female Athlete of the Year

July 8: Male Athlete of the Year