Two Tar Heels are among 30 finalists nationwide for the NCAA’s annual Woman of the Year Award. Rachel Jones of the women’s soccer program and Ally Mastroianni of the women’s lacrosse program are both among the nominees for the honor.

Jones, who is in her fifth and final season with the women’s soccer team, was named to the All-ACC Academic Team in both her junior and senior years, as well as being named a second team CoSIDA Academic All-American as a senior. In addition to playing for the Tar Heels, Jones has participated in the Richard A. Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy and served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.

Jones’ best season came in 2020-21, when she scored six goals in 20 matches while leading Carolina to the College Cup semifinals. She is currently a student in the UNC School of Law.

Mastroianni completed her fifth and final season with the UNC women’s lacrosse program last spring, and is one of the most decorated and accomplished athletes in the team’s history. Mastroianni was a two-time unanimous All-American in 2021 and 2022 while being named ACC Midfielder of the Year both years. In those seasons, Mastroianni came back from a potentially career-ending leg injury to lead the Tar Heels to an unprecedented run of success. Carolina won 42 of 43 games between 2021 and 2022, including going 22-0 and winning the program’s third NCAA title in the latter year. Mastroianni finished with two goals and six draw controls in the championship game, and she ended her UNC career as the program’s all-time leader in draw controls with 360. Currently, Mastroianni is pursuing a master’s degree in UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media.

The NCAA Woman of the Year Award was established in 1991 to recognize graduating female student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service and leadership throughout their collegiate careers.

All 30 finalists will be celebrated and a winner named at the NCAA Convention, which will take place in January in San Antonio.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Jeffrey A. Camarati

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