PHILADELPHIA -La Salle celebrated the 26th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day with a luncheon on Tuesday, January 31. The National Association for Girls and Women in Sport is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs, and is a huge factor in the significant increases in sports participation for women and girls at all levels.
La Salle alum, Linda Hester, gave the keynote speech. Hester was a member of the women's basketball team from 1982-86 and was inducted to the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 1992 and the La Salle Hall of Athletes in 1996. Hester led the Explorers to a MAAC title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 1986. She is the fifth leading scorer in La Salle history, scoring 1,490 career points.
In her speech, Hester presented five core principles, including Excellence, Integrity, Reputation, Collaboration and Leadership. She stressed the importance of teamwork and having the right attitude on and off the playing field.
Additionally, Dr. Annette O'Connor, current La Salle faculty member and the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), spoke at the luncheon. O'Connor is retiring from her position as FAR after 22 years. She recently was recognized for her athletic contributions at a La Salle basketball game.
Mary Ellen Wydan, La Salle Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Senior Woman Administrator, coordinated the efforts of the luncheon.
“Today we celebrated National Girls and Women in Sport Day on campus and after 26 years opportunities for women in sport have flourished and La Salle is no exception,” Wydan said. “And since 1971, La Salle has added 12 women's sports and provided numerous opportunities for women to excel athletically and academically. We had a great turnout for today's luncheon in support of our women athletes and their achievements.”
Members of La Salle women's athletic teams were in attendance along with athletic department and University staff. A group of young students from local Logan Elementary School were also in attendance.
