Each nominee has been chosen by the North American organisation's Selection Committee which whittled down an initial list of 585 contenders.

Ten nominees are now left from each of the three NCAA divisions and each is said to have demonstrated "excellence in academics, athletics, community service and leadership".

Thirteen sports are included on the shortlist, including equestrian and shooting for the first time.

"This year's 30 honorees are remarkable women, representing well the thousands of women competing each year in college sports," said Karen Baebler, chair of the Woman of the Year Selection Committee and assistant athletics director for sport operations at the University of Washington. 

"They have excelled in sports and academics while serving their peers and communities, and we congratulate them for their many achievements."

The Selection Committee is now tasked with cutting down the list again to just nine finalists, with three from each division.

A ceremony to announce the winner will be held in Indianapolis on October 20.

Long jumper Keturah Orji won the prize last year and went on to claim silver for the United States at last month's Pan American Games in Lima.

Olympic champions Kim Black and Rebecca Lobo are among other past recipients.

Swimmer Black won in 2001, a year after winning 4x200 metres freestyle gold at Sydney 2000.

Basketball player Lobo won in 1995 and was a member of the victorious American team at Atlanta 1996.