Getting into veterinary school is no easy feat, but Amelia DiPaola did just that while balancing her undergraduate studies and impressive athletic performances in track and field. 

Now a first-year student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), DiPaola has been selected to the Top 30 for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year award. She competed in hammer throw and shot put for Fresno. 

"It is an absolute honor to be chosen among the Top 30 women in the NCAA for Woman of the Year," DiPaola says. "I am very proud to represent Fresno State as an honoree. Although I'm no longer in Fresno, the Bulldog spirit continues on in Minnesota while I further my education in my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine program."

DiPaola is the first student-athlete from Fresno State to reach the Top 30 in the NCAA's selection process. Ten student-athletes from each of the NCAA's three divisions make up the Top 30. A record 627 nominees were submitted from schools across the country.

A native of Fremont, Calif., she graduated from Fresno in May 2024 with a 3.84 cumulative GPA while earning her animal science degree with an emphasis in pre-veterinary studies. She plans to pursue food animal medicine and emergency medicine. 

Read more about DiPaola’s athletic accomplishments here.