Luana Batista Soares, a junior defender and midfielder from Raleigh, was honored with the Beacon Undergraduate Student Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, service, and impact on the University of Massachusetts Boston campus community.
The Beacon Undergraduate Student Leadership Award is presented to an undergraduate student who has significantly impacted campus life through strong leadership, meaningful engagement with fellow students, and exceptional potential for future achievement. The award recognizes individuals who leave a lasting mark on the UMass Boston community through their organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
A captain of the women's lacrosse team, Batista Soares has distinguished herself as a leader at the team, campus, conference, and national levels. Known for leading with authenticity, empathy, and purpose, she has fostered a culture of accountability, inclusion, and support among her teammates while consistently serving as a role model both on and off the field.
Beyond athletics, Batista Soares has made a profound impact across campus through her involvement in several student organizations and leadership initiatives. She is an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), serves as the Little East Conference SAAC representative, and represents student-athletes nationally through the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and NCAA Management Council. In these roles, she collaborates with administrators and student leaders to advocate for and enhance the student-athlete experience.
Among her most impactful accomplishments is founding the campus chapter of Morgan's Message, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health in athletics. Through this initiative, Batista Soares has created important conversations and fostered a more supportive environment for student-athletes on campus. She is also involved with Athlete Ally, further demonstrating her commitment to inclusion and advocacy within athletics and the broader community.
