Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Nominated For NCAA Woman Of The Year Award

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Lia Thomas, a University of Pennsylvania swimmer who made history in the United States as the first transgender athlete to win an NCAA swimming championship, is among hundreds of student-athletes nominated for the organization's Woman of the Year award, according to NCAA officials.

Thomas, who has since graduated from Penn, was nominated as a Division I athlete for swimming and diving, according to the NCAA website.

In March, Thomas won a Division I title after finishing first in the women's 500-yard freestyle event. She also recorded the fastest time of the NCAA season, CNN reported.

Thomas moved to the Penn women’s swimming team at the start of her senior year after three years of competing on the men's squad. She made the switch after completing one year of hormone replacement theory per NCAA guidelines.

Following her win, Thomas quickly became the high-profile face of transgender athletes, garnering support and opposition from across the country. Her win also renewed a push in several states to prohibit transgender athletes from competing on the team that corresponds with their gender identity.

During a May appearance on "Good Morning America," Thomas disputed those who say she has an unfair biological edge that ruins the integrity of women’s athletics.

"Trans women are not a threat to women’s sports," she said.

Thomas has since graduated from Penn and plans to attend law school, according to The Associated Press. She also plans to pursue her goal of qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Olympic swimming trials.

Established in 1991, the Woman Of The Year Award recognizes female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in their community, in athletics, and in academics throughout their college careers.

This year's nominees represent all three NCAA divisions. The Woman of the Year Selection Committee will select 10 student-athletes from each division to determine the top 30 honorees.

Of the top 30, the committee will announce three finalists from each division. The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will review the nine finalists and name the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.