CASTINE, Maine – Maine Maritime Academy's Kirra Magaña (Miami, Fla.) has been named the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Woman of the Year. Modeled after the NCAA Woman of the Year program, the NAC Woman of the Year award celebrates graduating student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers through academic excellence, competitive success, and meaningful contributions to their campuses and communities.
A two-sport athlete competing in soccer and lacrosse, Magaña has been a dominant force on the field and an impactful leader across campus.
In soccer, she concluded her remarkable senior season by being named the 2024 NAC Women's Soccer Player of the Year and Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She also earned Third Team All-New England honors from the New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) and was selected to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Second Team. The multi-year captain led the NAC with 21 goals, 49 points, and six game-winning goals, while also topping the conference in total shots and shots on goal.
A four-time NAC Player of the Week—more than any other player in the league—she ranked eighth in NCAA Division III in both goals and total points at the conclusion of the conference tournament season. Originally recruited as a defender, she transitioned into an attacking role, finishing her career with 42 goals and 96 points—both fifth all-time in MMA history. Her efforts helped guide Maine Maritime to two NAC Women's Soccer Championships during her career, in 2021 and 2023.
"Congratulations to Kirra! This is a great award for a great person, and well deserved," said Women's Soccer Head Coach Bill Ashby. "Kirra is one of the most complete players I have had the honor of coaching. She is a true leader—she leads by example, action, and deed. MMA women's soccer is proud of Kirra and her achievements; she represents her teammates and MMA soccer to the highest of standards."
On the lacrosse field, Magaña continued her success as a three-year member of the team. She was named the 2025 NAC Women's Lacrosse Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year, earned a spot on the 2025 NAC All-Academic Team, and was recognized on the 2024–25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Women's At-Large Team. As a senior midfielder, she tallied 13 goals, 24 points, 30 ground balls, 14 caused turnovers, and 52 draw controls, despite missing several games. Across her lacrosse career, she accumulated 43 goals, 28 assists, 129 draw controls, 101 ground balls, and 57 caused turnovers, consistently impacting all areas of play.
"In a field full of impressive candidates, Kirra's excellence shines through," said Tricia Carver, Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. "She is relentless in everything she does. She leads with purpose, and we are incredibly proud!"
In addition to her athletic success, Magaña has played an active and influential role in the MMA community. She served as a resident assistant, student tutor, equipment room assistant, team manager and gameday operations staff member. A dedicated leader, she completed a two-year term on the Student Government Board and served two years on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She was also a three-year volunteer for the Athletic Department's Annual Special Olympics Bocce Tournament, serving on the event's planning committee. In addition, she contributed to the planning of the Athletics Awards Banquet, helping celebrate and elevate the accomplishments of her fellow student-athletes.
Magaña's leadership extended to her support of other programs as well, serving as a Team Manager for Maine Maritime's Women's Basketball team, contributing to back-to-back NAC Championships in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024.
"Mariners athletics could not be prouder of Kirra Magaña!" said Director of Athletics Bill Mottola. "Her commitment to her teammates, coaches and classmates has been inspiring. A true leader on the field and in the classroom, Kirra is the embodiment of excellence and integrity. There is no doubt she will be a trailblazer as she enters the professional world."
A member of the United States Army National Guard, Magaña has also earned the distinction of being named a U.S. Army Platoon Leader, balancing her military responsibilities alongside her commitments as a student and athlete.
"I'm incredibly proud to see Kirra recognized as the NAC Woman of the Year," said David Keenan, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach. "Her accomplishments on the field and in the classroom are remarkable, but what truly sets her apart is her humility. Despite all her success, she has always put her teammates first—consistently more concerned with how others are feeling than with her own accolades. Coaching Kirra has been an absolute privilege."
Magaña becomes only the second student-athlete in Maine Maritime history to earn NAC Woman of the Year honors, joining Sydney Adams '20 (volleyball) in this prestigious distinction.
View the full NAC release HERE.
