CANTON, Ga. – Centre College's Grace Walker, the SAA Woman of the Year and NCAA Woman of the Year nominee, has been named the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) Region 6 Athlete of the Year.

The Division III Commissioners Association (D3CA) announced the 20 outstanding student-athletes selected as the 2024-25 Regional Student-Athlete of the Year winners. This prestigious award, now in its third year, recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and service throughout their collegiate careers.

Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, serves as the presenting sponsor of these awards.

"Chi Alpha Sigma is honored to partner with the D3CA in recognizing these incredible student-athletes," said Kellen Wells-Mangold, Executive Director of Chi Alpha Sigma. "Our mission to celebrate excellence in both academics and athletics perfectly aligns with this initiative. These recipients exemplify the highest ideals of collegiate athletics and leadership."

Walker becomes the first SAA student-athlete to earn the prestigious honor.

"We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate Grace Walker as the Region 6 winner of the Division III Commissioner's Association (D3CA) Female Student-Athlete of the Year! This is the first time an SAA student-athlete has earned this incredible honor, and we could not be prouder," says conference commissioner Stacey LaDew.

"Grace is the perfect example of what it means to excel in every area — she is a standout on the course, in the classroom, and within her community. Her commitment, leadership, and character truly showcase the best and brightest of the Southern Athletic Association."

Walker distinguished herself among Division III athletes through her excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership. She carried a near-perfect 3.97 GPA, earned recognition as a four-time WGCA All-America Scholar, and was twice named to the CSC Academic All-District team.

On the course, her leadership helped guide Centre golf to three SAA Championships. Beyond competition, she made a significant impact in her community as a four-year member of Kappa Delta and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Her service included supporting Prevent Child Abuse America and volunteering with her teammates at the Kentucky Golf Show.

A two-time NCAA All-American, Walker leaves behind a lasting legacy with the Colonels and across the SAA.

"Grace Walker's dedication, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence have always set her apart," said Centre women's golf coach Cheyann Knudsen. "Watching her grow and continue to achieve at the highest level the last two years, has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Her earning the Regional Athlete of the Year award is a testament to the tireless effort she puts into everything she does. She is so deserving of this recognition, and I couldn't be prouder of her continued success, both as a member of our program and as an alum."

Conferences were permitted to submit two nominations for each award if at least one of the nominations was an international student/ethnic minority. Graduating seniors were the only student-athletes eligible for this award.
 
Selection criteria for the awards included considerations based on academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership and a personal statement submitted by each nominee.

Each regional winner now advances to the national ballot for the D3CA Men's Sport Student-Athlete of the Year and D3CA Women's Sport Student-Athlete of the Year awards, which will be announced next month.