Amanda Kessel (Madison, Wis.), a forward on the U.S. Women’s National Team, has been named a finalist for the 2013 Sportswoman of the Year Award – Team Sport Category by the Women’s Sports Foundation.
She is one of six finalists to have distinguished themselves between Aug. 13, 2012 and July 31, 2013. Over the past year, Kessel achieved significant success, including helping the U.S. Women’s National Team win the gold medal at the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship and capture first place at the 2012 IIHF Four Nations Cup, as well as leading the University of Minnesota to a historic unbeaten season and the NCAA Division I national title in women’s hockey. She was also honored with several awards.
Kessel’s Highlights• 2013 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as the top player in NCAA Division I women’s hockey• 2013 USA Hockey Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Award
• 2012-13 WCHA Player of the Year
• 2012-13 AHCA/CCM Hockey First-Team All American
• 2013 NCAA All-Tournament Team• Led NCAA in 2012-13 with 101 points (46-55)
Finalists for the Sportswoman of the Year awards will be voted on by the Foundation’s Awards Committee and the public. Fans can now vote for Kessel until Sept. 9.
Sportswoman of the Year honorees will be unveiled during the 34th Annual Salute to Women in Sports awards gala on Oct. 16 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. Kessel’s teammate, Jessie Vetter (Cottage Grove, Wis.), won the award in 2009.
For more information on the award and the event, click here.
