NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – Charlie Laye of Florida Southern Women's Lacrosse was named the 2026 Division II IWLCA Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The IWLCA announced its 2026 Scholar-Athletes of the Year, honoring the top student-athlete in NCAA Division I, II, and III and the NAIA. Nominees for the award must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of athletic eligibility, have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, and be a starter or significant reserve for their team.

Charlie Laye has been named the IWLCA Division II Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Laye posted a perfect 4.0 GPA during the academic year while continuing her studies after earning her undergraduate degree in Accounting. Her commitment to academic excellence earned her recognition as the NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse Championship Elite Scholar-Athlete, Polk County Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year, a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American Second Team, and a CSC Academic All-District selection. Laye graduated with her Masters in Accountancy in May of 2026. 

Laye also enjoyed a remarkable season on the field, helping lead Florida Southern to the NCAA Division II National Championship. She collected numerous athletic honors, including USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason All-American recognition, SSC Defensive Player of the Week, All-SSC First Team, USA Lacrosse All-America Second Team, and IWLCA First Team All-America honors.

A dominant presence on defense, Laye started all 21 games for the Mocs, recording a team-leading 44 ground balls, adding 32 caused turnovers and 18 draw controls while anchoring one of the nation's top defensive units throughout the 2026 season.

Laye is the first Moccasin to receive this honor.