June 15, 2005

University of Dayton rower Katie Lesko (Dayton, OH/Chaminade-Julienne HS) has been named UD's NCAA Woman of the Year. The NCAA Woman of the Year Award honors senior student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership.

Lesko in the Varsity 8 boat, finished second in the semifinal round in the 67th annual Dad Vail Regatta, to place ninth overall only 1.49 seconds shy of making the championship race. She also helped her team finish 11th out of 50 boats at the 40th annual Head of Charles regatta. Lesko was also named Outstanding Varsity Rower as voted on by her teammates and coaches as she helped Dayton's squad to finish second overall in the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship, the highest ever for the Flyers.

Lesko was also named to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV At-Large First Team, Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association National Scholar Athletes for 2005 and was a named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic Rowing Team for the second year in a row.