Photo by: Tom Lynn
Maia Cella named Senior CLASS Award candidate
October 04, 2021 | Women's Soccer
Badger midfielder recognized for achievements in character, academics, and athletics
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin women's soccer midfielder Maia Cella was named a top-30 candidate for the 2021 Senior Class Award on Friday in recognition of her achievements in the classroom, community, and on the field.
The Evanston, Illinois-native started in all 12 games for the Badgers in the 2021 spring season and led the team in assists with eight. She received First-Team All-Big Ten honors for the 2019 and 2020-21 seasons. Known for her athleticism and tenacity, Cella was an integral part of the Badgers success over the past five seasons, leading UW to three NCAA tournament appearances and the 2019 Big Ten regular-season title.
A double-major, Cella is studying psychology and social welfare and boasts an impressive 3.96 GPA. During her time at Wisconsin, she volunteered with Badgers Give Back, an organization that works with local community centers like hospitals and senior centers.
Cella was also a semifinalist for the CLASS Award in 2020-21. While candidates are normally only eligible to be nominated once, exercising their extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19 interruptions allows candidates like Cella to be nominated twice.
The senior CLASS Award, an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, encourages athletes to stay committed to their academics and give back to their communities. In order to be eligible for the award, seniors or graduate students must excel in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character, and competition.
The Senior CLASS Award winners will be announced during the 2021 NCAA College Cup championship in December.
The Evanston, Illinois-native started in all 12 games for the Badgers in the 2021 spring season and led the team in assists with eight. She received First-Team All-Big Ten honors for the 2019 and 2020-21 seasons. Known for her athleticism and tenacity, Cella was an integral part of the Badgers success over the past five seasons, leading UW to three NCAA tournament appearances and the 2019 Big Ten regular-season title.
A double-major, Cella is studying psychology and social welfare and boasts an impressive 3.96 GPA. During her time at Wisconsin, she volunteered with Badgers Give Back, an organization that works with local community centers like hospitals and senior centers.
Cella was also a semifinalist for the CLASS Award in 2020-21. While candidates are normally only eligible to be nominated once, exercising their extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19 interruptions allows candidates like Cella to be nominated twice.
The senior CLASS Award, an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, encourages athletes to stay committed to their academics and give back to their communities. In order to be eligible for the award, seniors or graduate students must excel in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character, and competition.
The Senior CLASS Award winners will be announced during the 2021 NCAA College Cup championship in December.
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