NEWARK, NJ | Rutgers University-Newark senior Jackie Lara was named Rutgers University-Newark Woman of the Year by the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW). 

The NJAIAW celebrates the women and girls of New Jersey and their contributions to the sport. The group awards Woman of the Year accolades to outstanding female student-athletes from high schools, colleges, and universities throughout New Jersey for their significant contributions to their institution and community through athletic accomplishments, academic success, and community involvement.

Last season, Lara led the Scarlet Raiders with a .396 batting average and started all 17 games she appeared in. Alongside leading the team in batting average, she also led the team with eight RBIs and a .472 slugging percentage. Lara helped her own cause in the circle as she had a 4.34 ERA in 48.1 innings pitched. From the circle, she led the team with 34 strikeouts in five complete games. 

"We are so proud of Jackie and of all of her accomplishments at Rutgers-Newark to date," said head coach Jackie Davis.  "She is a strong leader for us, both in the classroom and on the field, and we could not have been more excited to support her as she received the NJAIAW Woman of the Year award on the 50th anniversary of Title IX. She is an absolute pleasure to coach, she is a great teammate and I am confident that she will continue to strive for greatness, and succeed, as we move into our 2022 season and as she moves into the next chapter of her life." 

The Scarlet Raiders open their season on March 13 in Myrtle Beach, SC against Saint Joseph before playing in their home opener on March 22 against Baruch at 3:00 pm.