BRONXVILLE, N.Y. – Former Sarah Lawrence swimming standout Devon Peal '19 has been nominated for the prestigious 2019 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The award, established in 1991, recognizes graduating student-athletes who excelled in academics, athletics, service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers.

Peal is one of a record-setting 585 nominees who competed in one of 20 different women's sports across all three NCAA Divisions, including 262 from Division I, 131 from Division II and 192 from Division III. Multisport student-athletes account for 144 of the nominees.

"We couldn't be more proud to nominate Devon for this award," commented Director of Athletics and Physical Education Kristin Maile. "Her commitment to academics, athletics, and the community make her the perfect representative for Sarah Lawrence College."

Peal capped off a fantastic four-year career with Skyline All-Conference laurels. She earned First Team honors in the 100-yard backstroke, becoming a two-time conference champion in the event, while receiving Second Team recognition in the 200-yard backstroke, becoming a two-time all-conference performer in the event. Overall, Peal graduated with 10 Skyline All-Conference citations, and is one of two Gryphons in team history to be crowned league champion in a backstroke event.  

Peal is the owner of four school records, including the 500-yard freestyle, 1,000-yard freestyle, 1,650-yard freestyle and 200-yard backstroke, a seven year-old standard broken by Peal at her final collegiate meet. The swimmer is also a part of five record-setting relay performances.

A team captain, Peal has put her talent in the pool to good use, serving as a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor on campus and in the Bronxville community. Peal earned a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with a focus in Developmental Psychology. Throughout her time at the college, Peal worked with the Early Childcare Center to gain experience in the classroom working with children.

Next, conferences will select up to two nominees each from the pool of school nominees. Then, the Woman of the Year selection committee, made up of representatives from the NCAA membership, will choose the Top 30 honorees — 10 from each division.
 
The selection committee will determine the top three honorees from each division from the Top 30 and announce the nine finalists in September. From those nine finalists, the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics then will choose the 2019 NCAA Woman of the Year.
 
The Top 30 honorees will be celebrated and the 2019 NCAA Woman of the Year will be named at the annual award ceremony Oct. 20 in Indianapolis.