BUFFALO, NY – The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) released its annual outdoor track and field major award winners today, selecting Buffalo State's Makhia Laster (Buffalo, NY/Tapestry Charter) as the Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year.

Laster earns the honor for the second time in her career as she finished off a stellar campaign for the Bengals. Laster finished her career placing 21^st at NCAA Championships in the long jump after winning the AARTFC Regional Championship in the event. She was also the SUNYAC Champion in the event and earned First Team All-SUNYAC honors for the fourth straight season including indoor and outdoor. Laster also won the Buffalo State Ruth Houston Award, given annually to the senior female for the most outstanding career. She caps off her legacy at Buffalo State as a four-time All-American while also tallying six SUNYAC titles, two school records, and 19 All-SUNYAC honors.
 
Laster also earned the recognition last year following the 2024 outdoor season.