Pascale Named Grand Collegiate Woman of the Year

ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany’s Katie Pascale was named the school’s first-ever Grand Collegiate Woman of the Year by the Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization.

The Capital District Sports Women of the Year organization (CDSWOY) honors the best and brightest female student-athletes from high schools and colleges in the Capital District of New York State. The student-athletes are recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. Earlier this summer, Pascale was named one of 13 total women, three collegiate student-athletes, who earned a spot in the Capital District Sports Women of the Year Class of 2024.

Pascale is the first UAlbany student-athlete to earn the grand collegiate award since Division I athletes were allowed to be honored starting in 2022.

“I am extremely proud of Katie’s recognition as Grand Collegiate Athlete at the Capital District Sports Women of the Year gala last night,” said head coach Katie Thomson. 

Pascale had made her mark on the history of UAlbany lacrosse throughout four years as a Great Dane. She is the first member of the women’s lacrosse program to score 300 points in her career, a feat matched in UAlbany history only by college lacrosse royalty in Lyle Thompson and Connor Fields. Only five women and two men in America East history have ever scored 300 points, and Pascale is now on that list. A decorated athlete, she has outpaced second place in UAlbany’s career points by more than 70, in assists by more than 40, and in draw controls by nearly 50.

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible support I’ve received along the way here,” said Pascale. “I want to especially thank all my people at UAlbany for pushing me to be my best day in and day out.”

The first member of the women’s lacrosse program to win three major conference awards in her career, the list of awards Pascale has won during her career ranks among the most extensive for any Great Dane in history. An Inside Lacrosse Preseason and Midseason All-American, she was on the 2024 Tewaaraton Watch List, placing her in contention for national player of the year. A two-time All-America Honorable Mention, four-time All-Region selection, and a two-time AE Midfielder of the Year, she has won consecutive America East Scholar-Athlete honors for women’s lacrosse, identifying the most well-rounded student-athlete in each of the conference’s sponsored sports each season.

In the classroom, Pascale has earned America East All-Academic honors in each of the three seasons she has been eligible. She graduated with a 3.66 cumulative GPA in Accounting in May (2024). She is the fourth player in program history to earn America East All-Academic honors three times, and the third to have earned the conference’s Scholar-Athlete honors twice.

Pascale, a Baldwinsville, N.Y. native, also devotes her attention and energy to giving back to the community. In addition to the community service events with her teammates, she takes time to give back specifically to the sport of lacrosse, volunteering to coach the next generation of lacrosse players.

Pascale, along with the rest of the CDSWOY Class of 2024, was honored at the awards reception on Monday, August 12. It was at this ceremony that Pascale learned she was named the Grand Collegiate Women of the Year.

“Thank you, CDSWOY, for putting on such an incredible night recognizing such amazing women throughout the capital region,” finished Pascale.

“It was a special night celebrating the amazing accomplishments of Katie and so many female athletes in our Capital District,” said Thomson.

For more information on Pascale and the CDSWOY Class of 2024, click here.

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