NEW YORK – Senior Lia Castillo (Bronx, N.Y.) of the City College of New York women's fencing team has been recognized by the Eastern Women's Fencing Association (EWFA) with an EWFC Woman of the Year Honorable Mention selection.  The team captain and President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she will graduate this month with a degree in International Studies & History.

Castillo was one of the Beavers' most consistent fencers in sabre competition this season.  She earned four victories at the EWFC Championships, as CCNY placed sixth as a team.  Castillo also provided valuable veteran leadership for the young and inexperienced roster.  As President of the SAAC, meanwhile, she started a number of initiatives that benefitted all student-athletes, including the popular weekly bake sales.

"I am so proud of Lia and all she has accomplished during her years as a collegiate fencer," Head Coach Paul Yuen said.  "Her work ethic and skill level improved each season, and her preparedness during practice allowed her to develop the mental fortitude to combat any set of circumstances that she faced in competition with ease and grace.  Lia is a consummate professional, role model and true leader to her teammates and peers."

The EWFC Woman of the Year is chosen by a vote of the league's eight head coaches.  It goes to the fencer who "best combines the triple standards of success in athletics, excellence in academics, and participation in extracurricular activities."  The award went to Erin Chen of Johns Hopkins, while Castillo was one of seven finalists to receive honorable mention recognition.