Jacobs Named NJAIAW Woman of the Year
Feb 03 | Women's Tennis
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers tennis senior Maya Jacobs was named the Rutgers Woman of the Year by the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW). Jacobs will be honored during the organization's annual awards ceremony, which can be viewed virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021.
The NJAIAW celebrates the women and girls of New Jersey and their contributions to 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.
"I'm excited and proud for Maya to be the recipient of this award. As her coach, I have just seen so much growth in her over her career," said head coach Hilary Ritchie. "She is someone that is not only a leader within the tennis program, but a leader within the student body. She is well deserving of this award."
Jacobs has competed in 46 matches for Rutgers since arriving "On the Banks," leading Rutgers at the No. 1 singles position for the last two seasons. Though, Jacobs has battled through adversity with injuries over her career, her spirit and drive have never waived. Through it all, Jacobs remains a consistent leader and motivator for her teammates, while providing an example of what a Scarlet Knight should be on and off the court.
As a sophomore in 2019, Jacobs earned the tennis program's Grit Award, which is presented to the person who demonstrates hard work in all training and competitions. The Linden, New Jersey, native guided Rutgers at the No. 1 singles position, opening the year in nonconference with a 6-1 record in singles. Despite sitting out for the start of conference due to injury, Jacobs returned to finish out the season at the top of the lineup, showcasing the strength of her dedication and motivation she displays year after year.
A member of the Rutgers Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Jacobs has worked with a group of administrators and fellow student-athletes to address issues of racial and social justice. In the classroom, the communication major is a two-time academic All-Big Ten recipient and Dean's List honoree.
"Thank you so much to the NJAIAW for this recognition. Being an athlete from New Jersey comes with the expectation of being great and being resilient, and I'm so thankful to be a part of this community and showcase these traits at the university of my home state," said Jacobs.
"Thank you to my family, friends, coaches, and teammates, past and current, for giving me these experiences that I will cherish forever and that have helped mold me into the woman I am today."
Each year NJAIAW hosts the Woman of the Year celebration in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This special event recognizes the outstanding achievements of female athletes and can be viewed by clicking here.
The date of February 3, 2021, coincides with the 35th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). Every year, this celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization recognizes the importance of staying mentally and physically healthy during challenging times.
Follow Rutgers women's tennis on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Download the Scarlet Knights App for Apple or Android today.
The NJAIAW celebrates the women and girls of New Jersey and their contributions to 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.
"I'm excited and proud for Maya to be the recipient of this award. As her coach, I have just seen so much growth in her over her career," said head coach Hilary Ritchie. "She is someone that is not only a leader within the tennis program, but a leader within the student body. She is well deserving of this award."
Jacobs has competed in 46 matches for Rutgers since arriving "On the Banks," leading Rutgers at the No. 1 singles position for the last two seasons. Though, Jacobs has battled through adversity with injuries over her career, her spirit and drive have never waived. Through it all, Jacobs remains a consistent leader and motivator for her teammates, while providing an example of what a Scarlet Knight should be on and off the court.
As a sophomore in 2019, Jacobs earned the tennis program's Grit Award, which is presented to the person who demonstrates hard work in all training and competitions. The Linden, New Jersey, native guided Rutgers at the No. 1 singles position, opening the year in nonconference with a 6-1 record in singles. Despite sitting out for the start of conference due to injury, Jacobs returned to finish out the season at the top of the lineup, showcasing the strength of her dedication and motivation she displays year after year.
A member of the Rutgers Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Jacobs has worked with a group of administrators and fellow student-athletes to address issues of racial and social justice. In the classroom, the communication major is a two-time academic All-Big Ten recipient and Dean's List honoree.
"Thank you so much to the NJAIAW for this recognition. Being an athlete from New Jersey comes with the expectation of being great and being resilient, and I'm so thankful to be a part of this community and showcase these traits at the university of my home state," said Jacobs.
"Thank you to my family, friends, coaches, and teammates, past and current, for giving me these experiences that I will cherish forever and that have helped mold me into the woman I am today."
Each year NJAIAW hosts the Woman of the Year celebration in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. This special event recognizes the outstanding achievements of female athletes and can be viewed by clicking here.
The date of February 3, 2021, coincides with the 35th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). Every year, this celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization recognizes the importance of staying mentally and physically healthy during challenging times.
Follow Rutgers women's tennis on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Download the Scarlet Knights App for Apple or Android today.
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