Kansas City, MO--- The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) proudly announced today its 2011 Administrator of Tomorrow and Judith M. Sweet Commitment award recipients. Kenya Broadnax (California State University, East Bay), Ona Peck (Niagara University) and Kathryn Ryan (University at Buffalo) were named Administrator of Tomorrow Award recipients, and Jackie Luszczek (The Sage Colleges) was honored with the Judith M. Sweet Commitment Award.
Jackie Luszczek, formerly of Ithaca, NY, was hired at Sage in 2005 as Women’s Basketball Coach and Sports Information Director and currently serves as Women’s Basketball Coach, Women’s Lacrosse Coach and Senior Woman Administrator. In addition to her administrative duties, she coached a struggling women’s basketball program to the playoffs in just a few short years. Last fall, Luszczek volunteered to coach a sport she had never played or coached before, inheriting a lacrosse team of just four returning players. When the season began in February, Jackie had a roster of 19 players ready to compete.
“Jackie has done every job and helped everyone in the department while being an outstanding role model for student-athletes,” said nominator Dani Drews. “She is diminutive in stature, but a whirling dervish of energy whether patrolling the sidelines or behind the scenes. She makes things happen for Sage simply because she is willing to do what needs to be done.”
A 2004 graduate of Oswego Statey, Luszczek received her bachelor of science degree in wellness management with a minor in health science. While at Oswego, she was a three-year letterwinner and served as team captain during her senior year. In her senior year, 2003-2004, the Lakers rewrote the team record books, several of which still stand. She is still ranked among the leaders for all-time scoring. She is still ranked fourth for career 3-point field goals made, fifth for 3-point field goals made in a single season, and third for free throw percentage in a single season.
“NACWAA is proud to recognize and celebrate these remarkable, aspiring women,” said Patti Phillips, Chief Executive Officer. “We are inspired by their passion and commitment and excited to watch these future leaders develop and advance in athletics administration.”
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. The Judith M. Sweet Commitment Award recognizes athletics administrators below the senior ranking level who are committed to providing high-level leadership and guidance within intercollegiate athletics.
Each award recipient will also receive a $500 stipend and registration fee waiver to attend the 2011 NACWAA National Convention, held October 9-11 in Pittsburgh. The NACWAA National Convention is the premier conference for women working in intercollegiate athletics, offering unparalleled personal and professional development, leadership training and networking opportunities.
Kenya Broadnax serves as an athletics marketing assistant at California State University, East Bay where she earned her undergraduate degree and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communications. She is responsible for marketing efforts including on-campus promotions and department events to increase awareness and attendance for Pioneer teams. Broadnax also plays an active role in community outreach efforts, leading elementary school reading and active youth programs.
“For Kenya, it’s all about opportunity,” said her nominator, Dawn Ellerbe. “She understands the big picture, she’s driven and does what’s necessary to help her and others get to the next level. Kenya’s ambition, determination and compassion are all components of success which will undoubtedly apply to her career in collegiate athletics.”
Ona Peck was one of four students to pioneer a game operations student program in conjunction with Niagara’s sports management department. As a game operations crew leader, she has committed numerous hours to the athletics department over the last two years as well as help to grow a first-year NCAA Division I women’s golf program. Last winter, Peck also assisted the Niagara staff in co-hosting the World Junior U20 Hockey Tournament over her winter recess.
“What I enjoy most about Ona is that she is inquisitive,” said nominator Theresa Berg. “She is genuinely interested in understanding the various facets of the sport industry and athletic administration—operations, sponsorship, management, etc.—and asks questions and seeks answers for her projects and own personal growth.”
As an athletics administrative intern at Buffalo, Kathryn Ryan oversaw a variety of special projects that involved driving revenue, fundraising, community outreach, event planning and project management. Over the course of a year, the University of Connecticut grad coordinated four cancer awareness events and multiple ticket promotions that yielded more than $100,000, and was instrumental in organizing Buffalo’s NCAA Cycle 3 certification process. In addition, Ryan is completing her Master’s in Sports Administration at Canisius College and coaches high school lacrosse.
“Kathryn is well beyond her years as an athletic administrator,” said nominator Anucha Browne Sanders. “Kathryn’s approach and commitment to every project has raised the bar and challenged not only her peers but those veteran department members who might resist thinking outside the box. She is a consummate professional who works extremely well across all levels and with different management styles.”
About the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators: NACWAA is the premier advocacy organization that empowers, develops, assists, celebrates, affirms, involves and honors women working in all fields of intercollegiate athletics and takes a pro-active role in advancing women into positions of influence. NACWAA is dedicated to empowering, developing and advancing the success of women throughout the profession.