Since 1957, the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame has honored “individuals, past and present, who by their deeds as players, coaches, officials and contributors, and by the example of their lives, personify the great contribution of the sport of lacrosse to our way of life.”

Given that definition, it comes as no surprise that former University of Virginia women’s lacrosse All-American Robyn Nye Wood will be inducted Sept. 23 in Hunt Valley, Md.

“I began playing lacrosse in seventh grade, and what started as a social interest quickly led to my love of the game,” Wood said.

Wood became a two-time first-team All-American at Virginia in 1990 and 1991. As co-captain in 1991, she led the Cavaliers to the NCAA championship. That same year, Wood was named the national defensive player of the year, UVA MVP and a member of the NCAA All-Tournament team. Thanks to her outstanding performance in the early 1990s, Wood was named to the ACC’s 50th Anniversary Team in 2002.

“I was attracted to UVA because it has the ideal combination of top-notch academics and athletics,” Wood said. “My recruiting trips solidified the feeling that it was a home away from home. I felt very comfortable with the grounds, my teammates and coaches, and I was excited about playing at a high-level program.”

After graduating from Virginia, Wood participated in the Philadelphia Women’s Lacrosse Association for 10 years and played for the U.S. women’s national team from 1991-1997.

“Robyn needed more. She wasn’t done,” said Virginia coach Julie Myers, who played with Woods on the Cavaliers’ 1991 NCAA title team and will present her Hall of Fame award. “Robyn wanted more, and she worked her way onto the U.S. women’s national team.”

At the 1997 World Cup in Japan, Woods helped lead Team USA to a gold medal.

“I have always been inspired by my teammates and coaches,” Wood said. “I've been fortunate to play under coaches who I admire tremendously and who demanded the most from me, which brought out the best in me. My teammates throughout my career were so talented that it made me work harder to play at the next level. I wouldn't have accomplished what I did without all of them.”

In 2012, Virginia retired Wood’s No. 24 jersey to recognize her successes from her time as a Cavalier. Hall of Famer Cherie Greer (18) and the late Yeardley Love (1) are the only other players in team history to have their numbers retired.

“The honor was a culmination of my achievements,” Wood said. “A 1991 national championship, defensive player of the year award and 1997 World Cup gold medal — it came at a time that I could look back and really appreciate how lacrosse has enriched my life. “

On eve of '91 NCAA final, @UVAWomensLax played ultimate frisbee. Robyn Nye Wood says Cavs had "it" factor.

Story: https://t.co/BRhqR0PSiO pic.twitter.com/aU4cq078o7

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) September 22, 2017

“The criteria to be able to get your number retired at the University of Virginia are almost impossible,” Myers said. “When we set it up, we were really thinking of Cherie Greer. Who could be better than Cherie Greer? You have to be a team captain, an All-American, a player of the year in your position, a national champion and a world champion. It’s a specific criteria, and it is not meant to honor many people, but Robyn Nye did it.”

Wood joins fellow Virginia alum Doug Knight, Leslie Blankin Lane, Jim McDonald, Laurette Payette, Casey Powell, Jill Johnson Redfern, Brooks Sweet and Don Zimmerman in the 2017 National Lacrosse Hall of Fame induction class.

“No matter the wins or losses, hard work and sacrifice will make you a better, stronger, more resilient person,” said Wood, when asked what advice she would pass on to younger generations of players. “You also have to make sure to smile and have fun along the way.”

Doug Knight, Leslie Blankin Lane, Jim McDonald, Laurette Payette, Casey Powell, Jill Johnson Redfern, Brooks Sweet, Robyn Nye Wood and Don Zimmerman will be inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in a black tie-optional ceremony Sept. 23 at The Grand Lodge in Hunt Valley, Md. The event is nearly sold more information, visit uslacrosse.org/hof.