UNIONTOWN, PA. -- Apprentice School senior Shanae Hilliard earned a special honor on Tuesday night at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship as she was named Women's Division I Student Athlete Of The Year.

This is the first year that the USCAA named a Student-Athlete of the Year in nine of their championships.  The emphasis for the Student-Athlete of the Year award was on academics and community involvement, not strictly on athletic performance.

Hilliard, a molder apprentice from Alamogordo, NM, has been a key leader on the court as well as in the shop throughout her apprenticeship.  She has been in charge of apprentice groups in the shop and has been highly thought of from all aspects of the school.

The Lady Builders will open action on Wednesday at noon when they face fifth-seeded Daemen College at Penn State Fayette.