University of Albany's Nikki Branchini Selected America East Conference Lacrosse Scholar-Athlete of the Year - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Nikki Branchini has been chosen America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in the sport of women's lacrosse, as announced on Wednesday, July 6 by the conference office.

Branchini, the first UAlbany female athlete to earn All-America recognition on the field and in the classroom at the Division I level, graduated with a 3.83 cumulative grade point average in history and a minor in education. She was selected to the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America At-Large national second team and was named the 2011 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division I Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

In May, Branchini was tabbed America East Conference Woman of the Year for combining excellence in athletics, academics, service and leadership. A three-time America East all-academic team selection, she was awarded an ECAC Merit Medal as the school's top senior female student-athlete and was the recipient of the Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete Award. Branchini has interned at the Albany County District Attorney's Office and at the Albany City School District as a tutor for special education students. She plans to attend law school.

Branchini made her second straight appearance on the IWLCA All-America Team as a second-team defensive midfielder. She was also voted to the Synapse Sports All-America Team and earned first-team All-Northeast Region honors. During her career, she won or shared America East Player of the Year twice and became the third player in conference history to win multiple top player awards. Branchini is the first UAlbany player to be voted all-region three times and first-team all-conference in all four years. She was voted UAlbany's Female Athlete of the Year for second time during her career.

A native of Guilderland, N.Y., Branchini led UAlbany to its first America East Conference championship and the NCAA Tournament's quarterfinal round, losing to eventual national champion Northwestern. UAlbany (18-1) was ranked in the top 10 nationally in both polls for the first time, including No. 8 in the final IWLCA rankings.

Paw Prints: UAlbany's Nikki Branchini is the fifth Great Dane to receive America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in women's lacrosse since the program joined the conference in 2002 ... Olivia Jarem (2010), Kate Fontana (2007) and Theresa Masse (2002, 2003) were also honored.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information