0-1In a celebration of excellence both on and off the ice, Providence College has proudly announced that Brooke Becker has been named its NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. This prestigious nomination marks a crowning moment in the storied career of Becker, a senior standout for the Friars’ women’s ice hockey team .
🏆 What Is the NCAA Woman of the Year Award?
559-0The NCAA Woman of the Year Award, established in 1991, honors outstanding senior female student-athletes who have excelled in four critical areas: academics, athletics, community service, and leadership . Each year, conferences and institutions across Division I, II, and III nominate one representative. From these nominees, nine finalists—three per division—are selected, and one exceptional individual is ultimately crowned the NCAA Woman of the Year.
Becker’s selection as Providence College’s nominee places her among an elite group vying for national recognition—an accolade that celebrates not only athletic talent, but also character, leadership, and civic engagement.
Becker’s Athletic Excellence
833-2Since arriving at Providence College, Becker has been a fixture on the Friars’ blue line. During the 2024–25 Hockey East campaign, she earned a spot on the All‑Star Second Team as a defenseman—signaling her maturity and talent in one of the toughest collegiate hockey conferences .
1642-0Beyond her on-ice credentials, Becker has also been part of Pioneering Moments in women’s professional hockey. In the 2025 PWHL Draft held on June 24, she was selected in the sixth round (46th overall) by the Minnesota Frost . The PWHL Draft is a watershed moment for any women’s hockey player, marking a bridge between collegiate competition and the emerging professional elite.
Academic Achievement
1889-1While athletic accolades are easier to quantify, Becker’s academic profile is equally impressive. As a student-athlete at Providence—an institution known for its rigorous academic environment—she has maintained a strong GPA, no doubt reflected in her team’s broader academic success. In the fall of 2024–25, the men’s and women’s hockey programs produced 34 Hockey East All-Academic honorees, including Becker .
Balancing the demands of full-time study with a grueling hockey schedule requires discipline, time‑management, and resilience. Becker’s academic persistence speaks to her character and commitment beyond the rink.
Leadership & Community Engagement
The NCAA Woman of the Year Award places great emphasis on leadership and community service. While the nomination announcement itself didn’t detail specific initiatives, it’s clear that Becker has made an impact off the ice as well. Senior student-athletes typically engage in community outreach, mentoring younger players, and contributing to campus causes. Becker’s nomination suggests she’s exemplified these qualities in spades.
Her leadership likely extends into the locker room and beyond—setting standards in practice, encouraging teammates during travel, and representing Friars values in public engagements.
Providence College’s Rich Athletic Tradition
2500-3Providence College has a proud legacy in women’s ice hockey. The Friars have produced impactful players—such as Sara Hjalmarsson and Noemi Neubauerová—who have competed in the PWHL and on international stages . Becker’s nomination builds on that heritage, reinforcing the program’s ability to develop student-athletes into academic scholars, national leaders, and future professionals.
3652-1Beyond its hockey program, Providence has consistently emphasized well-rounded excellence. In the same school year, teammate Hannah Johnson was named valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA, underscoring the institution’s dual commitment to academic and athletic distinction .
A Look Ahead: What Comes Next?
With Becker as its nominee, Providence College will submit her profile to the NCAA selection committee. From a large national pool, nine finalists will be announced later in the year, with a final winner revealed at an awards ceremony typically held in October. Should Becker advance, she would represent not only her college but also the defensive stalwarts of women’s ice hockey—and the resilient mindset of student-athletes nationwide.
Meanwhile, Becker’s pending PWHL draft status means her post‑college career begins to take shape. Whether she decides to sign with Minnesota Frost—or pursue another opportunity—her transition from collegiate athlete to professional will likely feature prominently alongside her Woman of the Year candidacy.
Why This Matters
Becker’s nomination is more than a personal honor—it’s a testament to the ideals of collegiate athletics. She embodies the fusion of intellectual curiosity, sportsmanship, competitive drive, and social responsibility. For young women considering the rigors of Division I sports, her journey illustrates what is possible when dedication spans beyond wins and losses.
Conclusion
Brooke Becker’s selection as Providence College’s NCAA Woman of the Year nominee is a fitting tribute to a senior whose impact transcends the ice. With elite athletic performance—including Hockey East All-Star honors and a PWHL draft selection—balanced by strong academics, leadership, and community service, she represents the NCAA’s highest ideals.
As cheerleaders, teammates, and college supporters await the NCAA’s final decision, one thing is clear: regardless of the outcome, Becker’s collegiate legacy is guaranteed. She has already inspired teammates, elevated her program, and charted a path that reaffirms the transformative power of women’s
sports.
