Lakeland University junior A.T. Bartlett, a member of the women's basketball team, was named a top-5 finalist for the 2024 NCAA Division III LGBTQ Student-Athlete of the Year Award.
 
The award honors the academic achievements, athletics excellence and service/leadership of LGBTQ student-athletes in Division III. Award winners were named at the 2025 NCAA Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
 
Bartlett, of Farmington Hills, Mich., is a Dean's List student, a member of Lakeland's Alpha Phi Iota co-ed fraternity and was part of Lakeland's International Night celebration in 2024
 
"Being queer and trans is such a personal part of one's life, especially in academics and athletics," said Lakeland Head Women's Basketball Coach Ashley Lona. "However, A.T. has used this space to have a voice and help be a light to a larger audience. To see this amazing individual being authentically themselves and receiving recognition for it is so special.
 
"We are extremely proud of A.T.  as they continue to be a leader for LGBTQIA+ community, women's basketball and Lakeland University. In being who they truly are, I know they will continue to succeed in life beyond the classroom and court."
 
The Division III LGBTQ of the Year Recognition Award Program was developed by the Division III LGBTQIA Working Group. Awards are also given to an athletic administrator for service, leadership and promotion of LGBTQ inclusion and an athletics department or conference that has demonstrated proactive efforts to create and sustain an LGBTQ-inclusive culture.