FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Nova Southeastern University Department of Athletics welcomed former NCAA President Judy Sweet as the guest speaker at the 13th annual Girls and Women in Sports Day Luncheon on Thursday, Feb., 7 in the NSU arena at the Don Taft University Center.
NSU women's rower
Lauren Boudreau (Sr., Waterford, N.Y) was presented with the Flo Hyman award, which is awarded to a female student- athlete who captures former volleyball great Flo Hyman's dignity, spirit and commitment to excellence. It honors the athlete who recognizes the far-reaching benefits of sports and who is determined to share these values with others. Major consideration is given to athletes who give generously of their time and energy so that there are greater sports opportunities for all girls and women. Nominations are submitted by the coaches and voted on by the athletic administration team.
During the luncheon, Sweet addressed approximately 250 NSU female student-athletes, faculty and staff on the evolution of women in sports and their promising future. She shared her memories of how she grew up at a time where girls were not associated with sports, emphasizing the 40th anniversary of Title IX and how it broke down barriers in sports for women. She spoke of how fortunate today’s female athletes are and how the sky’s the limit. NSU Associate Athletic Director and senior woman administrator, Kelley Kish, awarded Sweet with the Pioneer Award for her accomplishments and dedication to women’s sports.
Sweet is currently the Co-Director of Alliance of Women Coaches. She previously served as Vice President of NCAA Championships and senior woman administrator in January 2001. In 2003, she was promoted to Senior Vice President for Championships and Education Services. Sweet retired from the NCAA in September 2006 and returned to San Diego.
She served as director of athletics at the University of California (San Diego) from 1975-2000. She was the first woman in the nation to direct a combined men's and women's intercollegiate athletics program. From 2001-2006, Sweet was NCAA Senior Vice-President for Championships and Education Services and the senior woman administrator. Since that time she has been a consultant for several universities and organizations on gender equity, leadership and educational programs. Sweet has extensive experience with NCAA governance committees and was elected to a two-year term as membership President of the NCAA in January 1991, the only woman to have served in that position. She has also served in leadership positions for many local, state, and national committees and boards of directors. She has received many awards, including The 1998 Honda Award for Outstanding Achievement in Women's Collegiate Athletics. In 2006 she was listed among the NCAA’s Centennial Anniversary 100 Most Influential Student-Athletes and received the NACDA James J. Corbett Memorial Award, which is presented annually to the collegiate administrator who "through the years has most typified Corbett's devotion to intercollegiate athletics and worked unceasingly for its betterment." In 2006 Judy was named the first NACWAA Legacy Honoree and in 2007 she was named by the Institute for International Sport as one of the 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America. In 2009, she was inducted into the Wisconsin State Athletics Hall of Fame. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, earned a MS degree from the University of Arizona and MBA from National University (San Diego).
2013 Flo Hyman Award Nominees
Kamryn Blackwood- tennis
A junior on the tennis team, Kamryn is an ambassador for the Razor’s Edge Program. She has volunteered her time with Tomorrow’s Rainbow, as well as with the Special Olympics. Additionally, she serves as the team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Lauren Boudreau- rowing
A senior co-captain on the rowing team, Lauren encourages her teammates and other student athletes to be their best and strive to help others. As President of the SAAC, she is the liaison between the student- athletes and the administrative departments and student organizations on campus. Lauren started her work in community service by assisting at American Red Cross shelters and raising money for St. Peter’s Hospital in her hometown of Halfmoon, N.Y. She continued here at NSU by volunteering for the Special Olympics of Broward County Basketball Tournament, A Day for Children, and Bring Your Kids to Work Day. Through her work with SAAC, Lauren has made a personal dedication to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the official charity of NCAA Division II Athletics. It is this year’s goal to raise $5,000, and she has challenged each student-athlete and staff member in athletics to volunteer their time and efforts. From coordinating “Shark Nights” and building attendance at home athletic events, to organizing volunteers for silent auctions and raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness, Lauren inspires others to do more and help others every day.
Kat Fleming- soccer
A junior on the soccer team, Katherine has been involved in a variety of community service initiatives including the Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and Tomorrow’s Rainbow, an organization that incorporates equestrian therapy for children. She currently serves as the vice president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the volunteer coordinator for the SAAC. An exercise science major, she is an ambassador for the Razor’s Edge Program and she maintains a 3.5 GPA.
Abbey Gittings- golf
A senior captain on the four-time National Championship women’s golf team, Abbey has given back to the community through participation at charity events. She recently volunteered and ran in the Sallarulo’s Race for the Champions, benefiting the Special Olympics. She organized a team to volunteer for the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk in Palm Beach County, Fla. and she volunteered for the Midlands Fun Run, in her home country of England, benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Society. In addition, she has donated her time to help England’s Warwickshire County Junior Girls’ golf team. A sports management major, she is also a team representative on the SAAC.
Samantha High- volleyball
A junior on the volleyball team, Sam is the vice president of the SAAC. She is actively engaged in the Girl Scouts of America summer camps, fostering personal leadership and life-long achievement skills. She has volunteered with the Special Olympics of Broward County, while also donating her time to making and distributing Thanksgiving baskets to people in need. Additionally, she is a referee in intramurals in various sports, exemplifying sportsmanship and fairness to all participants. She is a member of the Honor Society Delta Epsilon and has maintained over a 3.75 GPA.
Devan Martin- swimming
A senior captain on the swim team, Devan has been instrumental in exemplifying what it means to be a student-athlete helping others. She is a team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has spearheaded volunteer projects, including holiday toy drives for underprivileged children. Devan was recently inducted into the Alpha Chi Honors Society this fall. She is committed to helping others and impacting people’s lives in a positive way.
Brandi Nichols- cross country
A junior on the cross country team, Brandi donates her time working with the Special Olympics, volunteers at Citrus Memorial Hospital, as well as participating in food and toy drives through the NSU Pre-Pharmacy Society. She is a team representative for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and partakes in Make-A-Wish Foundation initiatives throughout the year. Additionally, she is actively engaged in the church community, volunteering through summer camps and Bible studies.
Jessica Osteen- track
A senior on the women’s track team, Jessica devotes her time to the Special Olympics, partakes in volunteer coaching, gives life speeches, and volunteers at homeless shelters. Additionally, she takes great pride in mentoring young girls on what it takes to become a student-athlete and the experiences that follow. She enjoys motivating individuals by relating her personal stages of development.
Danielle Robinson- basketball
A sophomore captain on the basketball team, Danielle has volunteered her time and efforts to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics of Broward County, Women in Distress, Straight Talk Alliance and A Day for Children. She is an active member of the President’s 64, NSU Rotary Club, and is the team representative on the SAAC. An exercise and sports science major, Danielle maintains a 3.75 GPA, and has been instrumental in mentoring newcomers and developing a positive culture within the women’s basketball program.
Chrissy Tabulov- softball
A freshman on the softball team, Chrissy has exemplified community service through a variety of avenues. As part of her high school’s Medical Magnet program, she volunteered more than 200 hours of her time to Children’s Medical Services. She helped with the organization of the St. Anthony’s Triathlon in her home town of Palm Harbor, Fla. and was has also been involved with the Habitat for Humanity charity ball. Additionally, she has tutored students in math, science and Spanish. In her young tenure at NSU, she has volunteered her time with the Special Olympics and Sallarulo’s Race for Champions. A biology major, her effort and attitude toward helping others is far-reaching and can easily go unnoticed.
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