Livingstone Public Relations

SALISBURY — Quanera Hayes is among nearly 150 women competing for the coveted

2015 NCAA Woman of the Year title, the National Collegiate Athletic Association has

announced.

Nominees must have completed their intercollegiate eligibility in their primary sport by the end

of the 2014-15 competitive season, must have received their undergraduate degree no later than

the summer term and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

The Top 30 nominees will be announced in September, and the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year

will be announced in Indianapolis on Oct. 18.

During the four years Hayes ran track at Livingstone College, she dominated in the 400 meters,

winning the national title in the event several times. She also captured the 200 meters national

title a few weeks after graduating on May 2.

In late June, Hayes delighted Livingstone administrators, students alumni and fans by earning a

spot on the United States 400 meter relay team that will compete in Beijing at the International

Amateur Athletic Federation, or IAAF, World Championships Aug. 22-30.

Hayes didn’t qualify to compete individually in Beijing, but she’s ecstatic about being a member

of the U.S. team and competing in China nonetheless.

Livingstone President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, Sr. said he’s proud of Hayes for being nominated

for such a prestigious award. Of course, Livingstone athletes are no stranger to NCAA accolades.

In January, 2014 Livingstone graduate Mark Thomas, who was the 2013-14 Central

Intercollegiate Athletic Association Player of the Year, was honored as an NCAA Today’s Top

Ten athlete, becoming the first such honoree from an HBCU in the award’s 42-year-history.

“Quanera Hayes was an outstanding student-athlete when she attended Livingstone College, and

since she graduated a few months ago she has continued making us proud,” Jenkins said. “It was

exciting to watch her on TV when she competed at the USA Championships, an event at which

it’s uncommon to see Division II athletes. The NCAA Woman of the Year award isn’t simply

based on athletic prowess but also takes academics and service and leadership into consideration.

We’re excited about her chances and wish her the best.”

Hayes, a soft-spoken woman who credits God for her success, said she’s thankful for the

nomination.

“I’m grateful to God to be nominated for such a prestigious award,” Hayes said. Of course I

would love to win, but just being recognized among such a talented group of women is an honor

and a blessing.”