EDISON, NJ - Former Monmouth University women's lacrosse student-athlete Nicole Ceraso '20, '21M has been named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Female Student-Athlete of the Year, the league announced Wednesday. 

Ceraso becomes the first Monmouth student-athlete to be recognized as a MAAC Student-Athlete of the Year. 

"I'm very happy for Nicole for the tremendous achievement of winning the MAAC Student-Athlete of the Year award," Director of Athletics Jeff Stapleton said. "She embodies what we want a Monmouth student-athlete to be, dedicated both on and off the field, a leader to her peers and an asset to the overall Monmouth University community. Nicole loves the game of women's lacrosse so much she came back for a fifth-year, earned a master's degree and has already started her career. We wish her the best of luck."

Ceraso's honor comes following her selection as Monmouth's Bill Boylan Award recipient. She completed her storied career as the program's all-time leader in points (309) and assists (178). A team captain, Ceraso became Monmouth's first two-time major award winner as she secured MAAC Offensive Player of the Year honors for the second time in her career. Ceraso also earned IWLCA Second Team All-Region honors after a 69-point, 42-assist season in 2021. She totaled 27 of her 131 career goals this past season.

A three-time MAAC All-Academic Team selection, Ceraso was also a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society as an Accounting major.

"Nicole has been an unparalleled member of the Monmouth women's lacrosse program," head coach Jordan Trautman said. "She is an outstanding leader, an excellent student and a wonderful teammate and person. She has held herself to the highest standard for the last five years and we are so proud of her for the accomplishments she has garnered over her career as a Hawk. The impact she has made on this program will continue on for many years to come."