CORTLAND, N.Y. - The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) is proud to announce its 2019-20 Women's Winter Scholar Athlete of the Year honorees. At the end of each season, the conference recognizes student-athletes for their efforts in their sport, as well as their academics. Out of hundreds of winter athletes, one athlete from each sport was selected for this distinction.
In order to be eligible for the SUNYAC Scholar Athlete of the Year award student-athletes must prove both academic and athletic excellence by obtaining a minimum 3.30 overall GPA, be a starter or significant reserve for their team, and be at least a sophomore. The SUNYAC Scholar Athlete Award originated in 2016-17.
Marion Dietz - Women's Basketball, New Paltz
Dietz earned the Elite 20 award during the SUNYAC championship this winter and helped the Hawks to their second-straight SUNYAC title (and third of her career). One of the best defenders in the conference, she also led New Paltz in points (393) and minutes played (922) during this past season and earned second team All-SUNYAC honors. Dietz did all this while student teaching this past semester as she pursues a degree in early childhood and childhood education B-6 / mathematics major. She has a GPA of 3.88.
Anna Flaitz - Women's Indoor Track & Field, Geneseo
Flaitz maintained a 3.81 GPA as a business administration major. She was named to the first team All-SUNYAC and was an NCAA qualifier this season. Flaitz anchored the Geneseo 4x400 relay team that set a new SUNYAC championship meet record with a first place finish (3:57.00). She also ran to a second place finish at the AARTFC championships in the 4x400 with a time of 3:52.32, which is ranked sixth in the nation. Flaitz's 2020 seed time prior to NCAA championships (6th) predicted an All-American finish, but the NCAA championship was canceled.
Noelle Staso - Women's Swimming & Diving, Geneseo
Staso earned a 3.77 GPA while double-majoring in biology and mathematics. This season she was awarded first team All-SUNYAC, as well as becoming an NCAA qualifier. While participating in the SUNYAC championships, Staso set meet, conference, and Geneseo program records for three races, the 200 freestyle relay (1:33.98), 100 breaststroke (1:03.66, NCAA B Cut), and 200 medley relay (1:43.97). Staso was second place in the 200 breaststroke (2:20.81), and was a part of the Knights' first-place 400 freestyle relay team (3:30.93).