Former Lindenwood women's hockey goaltender Nicole Hensley was honored last night at the NCAA Honors Celebration held as part of the NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tenn. Last month, Hensley was selected as one of the 10 recipients for the NCAA's Top 10 award. Hensley is the first student-athlete from the CHA to win the award, and is the fifth recipient all-time from the sport of women's hockey.

The award is given to recipients who completed their athletics eligibility during the 2015-16 academic year.  Recipients are recognized for their successes on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
 
"Last night was a truly humbling experience. Every athlete had an incedible story about what they were able to accomplish not only on the field, court, or ice, but in the classroom and community as well." said Hensley. "The NCAA and the selection committee put on an incredible event and it was an honor to be a part of it."

Hensley, now an assistant coach for the Lindenwood women's hockey team, concluded her four-year Lindenwood career as one of the most decorated and successful student-athletes in school history. Hensley was a two-time member of the all-CHA first-team. The goalie had a school-record 2.52 GAA, and she had a .922 save percentage during her senior season. Hensley compiled 947 saves as a senior, becoming the NCAA all-time saves leader on Jan. 29 at Robert Morris, eclipsing the previous mark of 3,809. Hensley ended her career with 4,094 career saves. Hensley was honored as the CHA goalie of the week 10 times, and goalie of the month once during her illustrious career.
 
Lindenwood women's hockey head coach Scott Spencer joined Hensley at the Honors Celebration. "It's truly special for Nicole to be recognized among some of the best athletes and people in the world" said Spencer. "Her family, our school, and our team are very proud of her accomplishments and excited about what she will accomplish in the near future."

Hensley was named to the CoSIDA first-team Academic All-American list in the women's at-large category in June, becoming the first three-time Academic All-American from Lindenwood. Hensley earned her third award after being a third-team member in 2014 and a second-team selection in 2015.

Hensley won four consecutive CHA Student-Athlete of the Year awards, and landed on the CHA all-Academic team each year.

The Lakewood, Colo. native is a three-time winner of the Colorado Sportswomen of the Year for hockey, and was inducted into the Colorado Sportswomen Hall of Fame in March of 2016.

Hensley has recorded shutouts for the U.S. Women's National Team at both the 2016 IIHF Women's World Championships in Kamloops, British Columbia and the 2016 Four Nations Cup in Finland. Most recently on December 17-19, Hensley joined the U.S. Women's National Team for a two-game exhibition series against Canada. Hensley made one start in net, making 16 saves in a 3-2 overtime loss.