Lia Thomas nominated by University of Pennsylvania for NCAA 'Woman of the Year' award

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The University of Pennsylvania nominated swimmer Lia Thomas for the NCAA "Woman of the Year" award.

According to an announcement from the NCAA, the University of Pennsylvania nominated the transgender athlete for the award, which recognizes female student-athletes.

"Established in 1991, the award recognizes female student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility and distinguished themselves in their community, in athletics and in academics throughout their college careers," the NCAA nomination page reads.

NCAA member schools "are encouraged to celebrate their top graduating female student-athletes by nominating them for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award," the announcement reads.

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University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas and Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines react after finishing tied for 5th in the 200 Freestyle finals at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships on March 18th, 2022 at the McAuley Aquatic Center in Atlanta Georgia. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After member schools make their nominations, their conference can then select up to two nominees.

Thomas, a former swimmer at the University of Pennsylvania, won the 500-yard freestyle event at the 2022 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships Thursday.

Her participation in college women's swimming has brought on a national debate, with some saying that she has an unfair advantage over other athletes.

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Pennsylvania's Lia Thomas waits for a preliminary heat in the Women's NCAA 500 meter freestyle