Softball player nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year award

Dana Capocci traveled to Honduras to help children learn about hygiene.

Softball alumna Dana Capocci was recognized for her excellence in academics, athletics, service and leadership with a nomination for the 2016 NCAA Woman of the Year award.

Capocci had 53 hits during her UIC career. — Photo: Steve Woltmann

Capocci, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in communication, was on the Horizon League Honor Roll and was named an NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete. She was the recipient of the Colvin Communications Scholarship twice and earned a 3.42 cumulative GPA.

The Burr Ridge native progressively built a place for herself in the starting lineup for UIC and was a part of three Horizon League regular season champion teams. From making just 11 appearances as a freshman to starting most games as a senior, Capocci took over as the Flames’ primary designated hitter. She had a career batting average of .233 with a total of 53 hits.

Capocci made a big impact in the UIC community while serving as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee during the last academic year. She organized initiatives to encourage student athletes to give back, including Pins Down for Pediatrics, visits to the UI Children’s Hospital, book drives and more.

Her volunteerism was felt across the globe, too. Capocci traveled to Honduras and Panama with the UIC chapter of Global Brigades, a student-led global health and sustainable development organization. During her missions, she helped children learn about hygiene and nutrition.