UST's Haley is NCAA Woman of the Year finalist

December 5, 2000
Track & Field All-American Emily Haley, a 2000 University of St. Thomas graduate, was chosen Minnesota's NCAA Woman of the Year for the 1999-2000 school year. Haley was later chosen among 10 national finalists.

It's the third time in six years a Tommie student-athlete has won the prestigious honor for Minnesota. All 22 of Minnesota's NCAA Division I, II and III institutions are eligible to nominate an elite student-athlete for consideration. The award recognizes excellence in academics, leadership and community service and athletic achievement.

Haley made the first cut from 51 state winners to 10 finalists. The NCAA will announce the national Woman of the Year winner in October.

Haley, a native of Chippewa Falls, Wis., graduated in May with a 3.954 gpa in History and Pre-Med studies and is now enrolled in medical school at the University of Wisconsin. She also has an impressive resume in campus and community service.

Haley was diagnosed with ovarian cancer as a high school senior and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. She lost her hair and was weak from the treatments, but still was able to qualify for the Wisconsin state high school track and field meet. She recovered quickly and had an excellent freshman season and four-year career at St. Thomas.

Haley lettered all four years in both cross country and track and field for the Tommies, and was a member of seven MIAC championship teams in those sports.

A four-time NCAA qualifier and two-time All-American in relays, Haley ran a leg on the Tommies' 1997 NCAA Division III championship 4x100 unit -- the lone Minnesota team ever to claim an NCAA relay championship.

Haley also was a member (No. 10 runner) of the 1996 UST cross country team that placed second nationally in Division III.

Haley also contributed to four MIAC relay championships with 10 other top-three conference finishes indoors and outdoors on her career. She was a member of Tommie teams that won seven of a possible 12 MIAC team championships in cross country, indoor and outdoor track.

Haley has her name on two school records (indoor 4x400 and outdoor sprint medley).