KANSAS CITY, Mo. --- The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) announced today its 2014 Administrator of Tomorrow and Judith M. Sweet Commitment award recipients. Julia Martin (University of Pennsylvania), Kaylyn Smith (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) and Sara Steinman (Moravian College) were named Administrator of Tomorrow Award winners, and Katherine (Katie) McGann (University of California, San Diego) was honored with the Judith M. Sweet Commitment Award.
"NACWAA is thrilled to honor these outstanding young and aspiring athletics administrators," said Patti Phillips, NACWAA chief executive officer. "Their passion and commitment is not only inspiring, but also contagious. We cannot wait to stand alongside these bright, young women as they grow and excel in their athletic careers."
The Administrator of Tomorrow Award is presented to an undergraduate/graduate student, intern or volunteer who aspires to a career in intercollegiate athletics, and recognizes involvement and a leadership role on campus, in a conference office or an organization and in the community.
Award recipients will also receive scholarships to attend the 2014 NACWAA National Convention, October 12-14 in Louisville, Kentucky. The National Convention is the premier conference for women working in intercollegiate athletics, offering unparalleled leadership and professional development, industry training and networking opportunities.
Steinman is in her finishing up her fifth year as a member of the Moravian Athletics Department where she serves as an assistant women's basketball coach and Director of Intramurals. She has also been an integral part of Moravian's Play 4Kay initiative that has had the Greyhounds lead NCAA Division III in raising nearly $58,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund the last six years.
"I am truly honored to be a recipient of this prestigious award from NACWAA," Steinman explained. "To be recognized by this outstanding organization is humbling and I am extremely grateful to be in such elite company. I would not be in the position I am in today without the guidance of my mentor, Mary Beth Spirk. In addition, I would like to thank athletic director, Scot Dapp, for all of his continued support as well as women's soccer coach, Brienne Smith, for taking the time to nominate me and always act as a sounding board for all of my crazy ideas. Finally, I would be remiss to not mention my dad, as he taught me from a very young age about the importance of working hard."
Steinman, a native of Springfield, New Jersey, was a member of the Lady Greyhound Basketball team from 2004-2006. As point guard, she was an integral member of the team that received an NCAA bid in 2006. In 2006, Steinman transferred to Kean University and joined the softball team. She had a very successful career at Kean as a second baseman leading the team in 2008 to the NCAA tournament advancing to the regionals. She holds the single season records for doubles and home runs, as well as the career mark for home runs.
Steinman graduated from Kean University in January 2010 with a degree in Health and Physical Education, and she is currently pursuing a master's degree in Sport Management at East Stroudsburg University and maintains a 4.0 GPA.
"If you know Sara at all, then you already know how much she deserves this recognition from NACWAA," stated Brienne Smith, who nominated Steinman for the award. "Sara has made countless contributions to the Moravian College Community and beyond. Her commitment to using athletics as a platform to give back to others is extraordinary and I am thrilled that NACWAA has decided to reward her for her efforts."
To view the full NACWAA release, visit http://www.nacwaa.org/newsroom/Press%20Releases/2425.
Parts of release from NACWAA Release
