CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Natalia Hidalgo, a 2024 Queens University of Charlotte graduate and member of the triathlon program, has been named a 2024 finalist for THE ALEXANDER Award. THE ALEXANDER is a new annual award announced in July by USA Triathlon and the USA Triathlon Foundation funded by the TriDave Legacy Trust, which Dave Alexander founded. It recognizes and honors one women's NCAA collegiate triathlete for their athletic and academic achievements.
 
Hidalgo was named one of three finalists for the award following a stellar career at Queens as a dual-sport athlete on the triathlon and track & field and cross country teams. The 2023-24 team captain helped lead her squad to a pair of NCAA DI East Regional Championships while winning the 2022 Regional individually. Additionally, the Royals finished second at both NCAA DI Championships with Hidalgo taking fifth place at the 2022 event. Hidalgo is also a two-time CTCA All-American First Team honoree.
 
Outside of competing, Hidalgo posted a 4.0 GPA and was on the President's List for three semesters. As a student, she was a member of the 2024 NCICU Ethics Bowl Championship team and participated at the 2024 International Model NATO serving as Estonia's Head Delegate. Additionally, Hidalgo presented her capstone project on the European Union's effort to diversify its energy security at the North Carolina Political Science Association. She also completed many hours of volunteer service with multiple organizations.
 
THE ALEXANDER Award will be presented at the USA Triathlon Foundation Gala. This year's USA Triathlon Foundation Gala presented by TicketSocket is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, at historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, held in conjunction with the 2024 USA Triathlon Olympic and Sprint Distance National Championships.
 
UP NEXT
The Royals are back in action on Sept. 15 at the Lake Davidson Sprint Triathlon.
 
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