Holland’s Emily Oren Named NCAA Division II Athlete of the Year

Hillsdale College student-athlete and Hamilton High School alum Emily Oren has been named the Division II Honda Women's Athlete of the Year.

Oren runs on the Hillsdale College track and cross country teams.

Oren, a senior, is just the third athlete in the history of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to win the award.

While at Hamilton High School, Oren was named All-State six times, All-Conference eight times and Academic All-State four times.

"What separates Emily is her drive. She was truly committed to excellence throughout her career and that's why many consider her to be the greatest distance runner in Division II history. We couldn't be more proud of her," said Andrew Towne, Hillsdale College head track and field coach.

Oren's 2015-16 season started with her winning the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association National Runner of the Week award. She also lead the Chargers team to a No. 1 ranking in the Division II poll. It was the first time any Hillsdale College team received a No. 1 ranking.

During indoor track season, Oren was a national champion in three events: the mile, 3000-meter run, and the distance medley relay. At the 2016 GLIAC Outdoor Championships, she set an all-time Division II record in the steeplechase with a time of 9:50.54, which met this year's Olympic standard. She went on to earn three national championship titles at the NCAA outdoor championships, capturing two firsts in the steeplechase and the 1500 meter run and third in the 5000 meter run.

Oren will accept her award at the Collegiate Women Sports Awards ceremony which will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network on Monday, June 27, at 9PM.