INDIANAPOLIS, IND. -- Two time All-American soccer player Stephanie Kirby has been selected the Nebraska winner and one of 52 finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The national winner will be announced on October 31.

Kirby was a four-time all-North Central Conference selection. She earned first-team All-American honors while leading the Mavericks to the national finals in 2002 and semifinals in 2003. She also helped lead UNO to three NCC tournament championships.

The Elkhorn, Neb., native will graduate in December from UNO with a degree in biology. She carries a 3.964 grade point average. Kirby was a three-time NCC all-academic team member and a two-time all-academic pick by the National Soccer Coaches Association.

Kirby is the second state winner from UNO. Softball player Tara Buzzell was selected in 1999.

Kirby, the daughter of Neil and Terri Kirby of Elkhorn, has been a volunteer coach and mentor and has been active on numerous student committees and other organizations.

Last spring, she was selected as the Omaha World-Herald's female state college athlete of the year.