FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The #NSU50 "Top Moments in NSU Athletics History" continues with the 41st moment on the list: Nova Southeastern University athletic department receives the NCAA Division II Community Engagement award for the baseball team's work with the Miracle League.
May 24, 2011
Following their work with the Miracle League of Pembroke Pines, a relationship that continues to this day, Nova Southeastern athletics was honored with the 2011 NCAA Division II Community Engagement Award.
The Community Engagement Award of Excellence recognizes Division II institutions that successfully "build bridges" with the communities in which they are located. The commitment to help member institutions build stronger civic relationships is a central part of the Division II philosophy.
"This is truly a special recognition for the department," said NSU Director of Athletics Michael Mominey. "All of our teams do a great job with community engagement and community outreach as it is one of our pillars of success at our university.
"Specific to this project, we have participated with the Miracle League dating back six years and it has been truly beneficial for both parties. The opportunities given to all student-athletes involved, kids are mutually heart felt and important to the development of young people in today's society."
The Miracle League program of Pembroke Pines was established for disabled children, in order to give them the opportunity to play baseball and experience what it's like to be on a team. The organization looks for local baseball players to volunteer time to buddy with a player in order to aid and encourage them throughout the entire game.
The tradition was started nine years ago by Mominey, when he was the NSU baseball coach. It has since been passed down to current head coach Greg Brown, who has taken his team to the Miracle League for five straight years. To view the team's most recent trip, click on the video
HERE.
Check back with NSUSharks.com next Tuesday for the next #NSU50 "Top Moments in NSU Athletics History."
Moment No. 1: NSU Athletics is Born
Moment No. 2: Knights Chosen as School Mascot
Moment No. 3: Hansley Hired as Director of Athletics
Moment No. 4: Nova Adds Four Sports
Moment No. 5: Nova Joins NAIA
Moment No. 6: Nova Adds Three More Teams
Moment No. 7: Nova Helps Form FIAC
Moment No. 8: Nova Wins First Conference Championship
Moment No. 9: Baseball and Volleyball Win First Conference Titles
Moment No. 10: NSU Adds Softball
Moment No. 11: NSU Adds Women's Soccer and Wins FSC Tournament Championship
Moment No. 12: NSU Names Ray Ferrero Jr. as School's Fifth President
Moment No. 13: NSU Adds Women's Basketball and Wins Conference Title in First Season
Moment No. 14: NSU Jumps to NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference
Moment No. 15: Kyle Ruwe Becomes NSU's First NCAA All-American
Moment No. 16: NSU adds Rowing, Tennis and Men's Cross Country
Moment No. 17: NSU Breaks Ground on University Center
Moment No. 18: Rembe Becomes NSU's First Female NCAA All-American
Moment No. 19: NSU Men's Golf Wins First SSC Championship
Moment No. 20: NSU Unveils Sharks as New Mascot
Moment No. 21: NSU Enshrines Inaugural Hall of Fame Class
Moment No. 22: Women's Golfer Garcia Austt Becomes NSU's First-Ever NCAA Player and Freshman of Year
Moment No. 23: NSU Tennis Goes Program-Best 22-3
Moment No. 24: NSU Volleyball Hosts the Inaugural Sharks Classic
Moment No. 25: NSU Begins Outdoor Track and Field Programs
Moment No. 26: NSU Volleyball Earns First-Ever NCAA Postseason Bid
Moment No. 27: NSU Women's Basketball Wins First SSC Championship
Moment No. 28: NSU Wins Women's Division of 2007-08 SSC Mayors' Cup
Moment No. 29: Abdalla Earns Cross Country Program's First SSC Runner of the Year Award
Moment No. 30: NSU Volleyball Wins South Region and Advances to Elite Eight
Moment No. 31: NSU Launches Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Programs
Moment No. 32: NSU Rowing V4 Claims the School's First Individual DII National Championship
Moment No. 33: NSU Brings Home First NCAA National Championship in Women's Golf
Moment No. 34: NSU Baseball Has Four Players Chosen in MLB Draft
Moment No. 35: Mominey Steps Into Full-Time Role as NSU Director of Athletics
Moment No. 36: The NSU Women's Golf Team Goes Back-to-Back
Moment No. 37: Men's Cross Country Qualifies for NCAA Division II National Championship for First Time
Moment No. 38: The Fledgling Men's and Women's Swimming Teams Have Successful First Season
Moment No. 39: Women's Golf Wins Third Straight NCAA National Championship
Moment No. 40: Berger and Freshman Eight Boat Win SSC and National Sportsmanship Award
