Indianapolis, Ind. – MIT women's soccer player Natalie Barnouw has been named a Top 30 honoree for the 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year Award. She is the seventh MIT student-athlete to receive Top 30 accolades, joining Kristen Palmer '23, (fencing) Karenna Groff '22 (soccer), Emily Berzolla '20 (soccer), Maryann Gong '17 (cross country/track and field), Margaret Guo '16 (swimming and diving), and Lisa Arel '92 (gymnastics). Guo was the first MIT student-athlete to win the award and Groff became the second to win the award in 2022.
"When I think of 'Woman of the Year' I think of Karenna Groff," says Barnouw. "This recognition means a great deal because I get to reflect on the impact she had on our team and culture. She has left a legacy of warmth, authenticity, and greatness, and I'm so glad I got to play with and know her."
Established in 1991, the award is rooted in Title IX and recognizes female student-athletes who have completed their undergraduate studies and distinguished themselves in their community, in athletics and in academics throughout their college careers.
"Being named a Top 30 finalist for NCAA Woman of the Year means so much to me. My MIT experience wouldn't be what it is without the people around me, and I'm so grateful for the constant support I've received along the way," continues Barnouw.
Selected from a record-breaking 631 nominees submitted by member schools — a group that was then narrowed to 167 nominees at the conference level — the Top 30 honorees include 10 from each of the three NCAA divisions. Each honoree has demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. The honorees represent 14 sports, including two student-athletes representing NCAA Emerging Sports for Women. They have a variety of majors, including chemistry, mathematics, biology, education, engineering, psychology, nursing, computer science, journalism, sport management and more.
"To my family and friends - thank you for being there in every way, from breaking down the games with me to checking in when school gets hard. To my coaches, thank you for always challenging me and pushing our team to be as competitive as we know we can be. And to my teammates - thank you for making MIT Women's Soccer the highlight of my day, every day. The energy, laughter, and love for the game that we share have made soccer such a joyful and supportive space."
The selection committee will determine three honorees from each NCAA division, for a total of nine finalists. From those finalists, the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will choose the 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year later this year and the Top 30 will be celebrated at the NCAA Convention in January.
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