WALTHAM, Mass. – More than nine months after she last wore her Bentley University field hockey uniform, former Falcon All-America Gina Lirange (Auburn/Auburn HS) continues to be recognized for her accomplishments.

On Thursday afternoon, the NCAA unveiled its Top 30 for the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year award and the select group included Lirange, who was previously named the co-Woman of the Year in the Northeast-10 Conference and a second-team Capital One Division II Academic All-America® in the women's at-large category.

"The last four years, I have had the chance to meet so many wonderful female student athletes, from Bentley and from several schools all over New England, and they bring so much to their schools and surrounding communities," said Lirange. "That being said, to be recognized as one of the top 30 female student athletes in the country is really just incredible. I am so honored, and it reminds me that I have so much to be thankful for! "

From a record 480 school nominees, the selection committee pared down an impressive group to ten from each of the three divisions. The top 30 honorees reflect the pillars of the Woman of the Year Award, demonstrating excellence in academics, athletics, community service and leadership.

Lirange and the remainder of the Top 30 will be in Indianapolis Oct. 18 when the 2015 Woman of the Year will be named. Prior to that, the selection will name three women from each division as finalists.

Lirange is the third Bentley woman to be included in the Top 30 in the last six years, following women's basketball standout Lauren Battista last year and field hockey goalie Alyssa Sliney in 2010.

"After finding out that I was chosen for the top 30, I couldn't help but reflect on my experiences at Bentley and at Auburn High – and I think about how lucky I am to have had so many opportunities and meaningful experiences that led me to where I am today," Lirange stated. "I have had some amazing people in my life, from my incredibly loving and supportive parents, to my coaches and teammates who pushed me to be the best I could be, and I'm so grateful for each of their impacts on me throughout the years."

Lirange, a Summa Cum Laude graduate who was named Bentley's Outstanding Senior Athlete earlier this year, led the 2014 Falcons in goals, assists and points, finishing with ten goals, six assists and 26 points. Three of the goals scored by the first-team All-Northeast-10 honoree were game-winners, giving 11 in her career.

Named to the second team Division II All-America team by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, Lirange was durable for the Falcons, never missing a game. She started all but four of her 75 appearances and finished her impressive career with 33 goals, 16 assists and 82 points.

""The Bentley field hockey program is beyond thrilled to see Gina recognized in this very special way.  She is a great example of what all of our players strive to be," commented her coach, Jessica Spencer.

While her playing career has ended, Lirange remains with the field hockey team this fall, serving as an assistant coach while pursuing her Masters degree.