The Celebration of Women's Athletics originated to highlight the history of W&M's women's athletics programs and to recognize the dedication and determination of former varsity athletes. The yearly event, which began in 2010 under the direction of former Senior Women's Administrator (SWA) Pamela Mason, continues to bring together female athletes and coaches to celebrate shared successes on and off the field - and to honor women whose experience in intercollegiate athletics has shaped their personal, professional and charitable lives.
The first event honored Millie West for her 50 years of transformative leadership as a teacher, coach, administrator and fundraiser. Also recognized were the "25 year Silver Star Athletes" of the CAA. In subsequent years the CWA expanded its focus to recognize outstanding alumnae athletes and their lifelong philanthropic and professional accomplishments. A goal of the event is to help maintain lifelong connections with alumnae through sport.
In keeping with one of the elements of the College's strategic plan and mission statement, our goal is to create a lifelong connection to the College. Accentuating the contributions of former student-athletes to the College and its athletic program provides an important link in reaching that goal.
Under the direction of current William & Mary Senior Advisor to Athletics, Peel Hawthorne, the CWA is viewed as an opportunity to educate current athletes and coaches on the history of women's sport and to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
"To fully appreciate the privileges we now enjoy, and to ensure that opportunities for women continue to grow," stated Hawthorne. "We must know our history, and intentionally progress in all areas of gender equity. I was pleased to receive so many positive comments about the CWA from alumnae and current student-athlete attendees. I believe we are well on our way to meeting the goals of the event."
The 2016 CWA activities continued to grow to include a networking session for alumnae and current female student-athletes. In its second year, this special session connects alumnae and current female student-athletes on a personal and professional level.
Goals of the Celebration of Women's Athletics are:
To educate and inspire current student-athletes about the history of women's athletics at W&M and beyond.
To celebrate our past and current leaders in women's sports
To honor alumnae who's athletic experiences at W&M played a significant role in their personal, professional and charitable lives.
To foster lifelong relationships and connections to the College
To educate our athletes and alumnae about the value of "giving back."
Celebration of Women's Athletics Honoree
2010 - Millie West
2011 - Feffie Barnhill
2012 - Erica Walsh '97 (women's soccer)
Celebration of Women's Athletics Keynote Speaker
2015 - Cathy Bessant P'19 - Bank of America; Global Technology & Operations Executive
2016 - Deidre Connelly - William & Mary; Sports Psychology Consultant
2019 - Katherine Rowe - William & Mary President
Tribe Champion for Life
The award goes to an alumna who has demonstrated leadership, integrity, fortitude, and excellence in her personal, professional or philanthropic accomplishments.
2016 - Jill Ellis '88 (soccer)
2015 - Jeri Daniels-Elder '82 (track and field)
2014 - Kathy Carter '91 (soccer)
2012 - Jo Ousterhout '76 (field hockey)
2011 - Dr. Camilla Buchanan '66 (field hockey/lacrosse/basketball)
One Tribe Award
The award honors a former student-athlete who has significantly contributed to her local community or a non-profit organization and has inspired others to do the same.
2016 - Cicely Wolters Lewis '04 (swimming)
2015 - Kelsey Nawalinski '11 (field hockey)
2014 - Brittany Lane '11 (soccer)
2012 - Lauren Kaplan McKetta '05 (basketball)
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