Dear Friends of William & Mary Athletics,
 
As we've officially finished the Spring semester, it is a good opportunity to reflect on some terrific accomplishments. But one order of business first - we are closing in on our final opportunity to reach our $5.2 million fundraising goal for this fiscal year. 
 
While we have received extraordinary support and are tracking toward hitting our overall goal, some of the individual sports must still raise significant funds before the June 30 deadline. I encourage you to check the status of your favorite team's fundraising progress here and use the associated "give now" button to make a direct impact. Remember that every dollar counts as part of the All In campaign.  Please help us get to the finish line!
 
As I have noted, many of you have already made an extra effort this year to show your love and support for the Tribe.  Our 500 student-athletes and every member of our department are deeply appreciative and join me in thanking you. 
 
Drum Roll, Please
I just had to share the graphic below, which illustrates beautifully our tremendous academic achievements that your support makes possible. These are just a few examples of how hard our student-athletes are working every day and I'm so proud of how well they represent our community.
 
 
A Landmark Decision
Last Thursday marked the 50th anniversary of then-President Richard Nixon signing Title IX into law. Today more than 223,000 female student-athletes, including 233 women who wear the Green & Gold have opportunities that were simply nonexistent prior to Title IX. 
 
There have been plenty of stories about the effects of this legislation, which changed the landscape of intercollegiate athletics in important and positive ways. W&M Athletics recently shared the story of several former Tribe student-athletes who were among the first cohort to receive the benefits of the new law. 
 
The Colonial Athletic Association compiled a Title IX 50th Anniversary Team and the Tribe was well represented by Martha Barksdale, Jill Ellis, Megan Moulton-Levy, Lynn Norenberg Barry and Elaina Balouris Tabb. I encourage you to take a moment and check out the story and be reminded all over again of the significant achievements of these outstanding individuals.
 
We know that the work started by Title IX is ongoing and that athletics at every level is better because of it. Our own women's basketball coach, Erin Dickerson Davis, talks about how the law has transformed women's sports and her thoughts about what is to come.
 
On Track!
Our track student-athletes snagged two huge honors from the Colonial Athletic Association. Emily Ervin is the CAA Women's Track & Field Rookie of the Year!  Emily earned All-CAA honors in three events at the CAA Championships, finishing third in the 200m and 400m before helping W&M to a second-place finish in the 4x400 relay.
 
Plus, Chris Arias is the CAA Men's Field Athlete of the Year! Chris was named the CAA Championship Most Outstanding Field Performer after winning the javelin (65.20m) by over five meters! 
 
Our track alums have also made us proud with their efforts on behalf of track and cross country alum Steve Huebner '76, who was in end-stage renal failure and in desperate need of a new kidney.  Current members of the track team, two recent W&M graduates and an employee in the athletics department joined forces and set in motion a chain of events that against very long odds, helped Steve get a new kidney and a new lease on life.  Read their story and you will be absolutely bursting with pride.
 
Bragging Rights
Just last week our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) received the university's esteemed Values in Action Award in recognition of its You Belong Campaign led by volleyball player Sydney Taylor.  You Belong was started to demonstrate the universal inclusivity William & Mary athletics is striving for, and the impact has been tremendous.
 
 
A Must See Video
The close of the semester also brought the opportunity to remind ourselves of all the memorable events across the university.  Our President Katherine A. Rowe sent out this celebratory video in which Tribe Athletics is mentioned prominently.  Please take a couple of minutes to watch this exceptional illustration of our shared values as an athletics and academic community. 
 
Picture It!
As summer marches on, we are already busily preparing for the start of school and our fall sports campaigns.  Plus, our staff and student-athletes will be heading out for some well-deserved time off. As you head out on vacation be sure to take some photos as you rock your Tribe gear all over the world.  Best submission gets a bag of swag from me! Email us at athleticdir@wm.edu or tag @TribeAthletics on social media.

 
 
 Go Tribe!
 
Brian D. Mann
Director of Athletics