BYU’S MEGHAN HUNTER & OSU’S MIKAYLA AUERBACH NAMED BIG 12 WOMAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES. IN A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD, BYU’S
In a celebration of excellence both on and off the field, BYU’s Meghan Hunter and Oklahoma State’s Mikayla Auerbach have been named as Big 12 Conference nominees for the prestigious 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year Award.
This annual honor recognizes graduating student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through academic achievement, athletic excellence, community service, and leadership — and this year’s nominees are shining examples of what it means to lead with purpose and passion.
> “Meghan and Mikayla embody everything the NCAA Woman of the Year award stands for,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “They are champions not just in sport, but in service and scholarship.”
Meghan Hunter: Leadership Beyond the Court
A standout student-athlete for BYU Women’s Basketball, Meghan Hunter has made her mark not just in assists and steals, but in advocacy. Known for her fierce competitiveness, Hunter also served on BYU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and women’s empowerment in athletics.
She graduates with honors in public health and is already pursuing leadership roles in collegiate athletic administration.
> “Being nominated is bigger than basketball,” Hunter said. “It’s about showing young girls they can lead, speak up, and change the game.”
Mikayla Auerbach: A Champion in Every Arena
Oklahoma State’s Mikayla Auerbach, a decorated track and field athlete, brings a resume full of accolades—Big 12 medals, academic honors, and an extensive record of volunteer service, including time spent working with underserved youth in Oklahoma.
Auerbach is completing her degree in biomedical sciences and has been accepted into medical school, continuing her mission to impact lives long after the final race.
> “This nomination is an honor, but the real reward is the opportunity to inspire others,” Auerbach said. “Student-athletes are more than stats—we’re future leaders.”
What’s Next?
The Big 12’s nominees will move forward in the national selection process, where the NCAA will narrow the field before announcing the Top 30 honorees and eventually the 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year this fall.
🌟 More Than Athletes, They’re Icons in the Making
As Meghan Hunter and Mikayla Auerbach step into the national spotlight, they carry the hopes of their schools—and serve as role models for a new generation of student-athletes.
Grace. Grit. Greatness. These women are proving that true champions leave a legacy far beyond the scoreboard.
