Sports Media Report
Caldwell University has been named a finalist for the 2024 Division II Award of Excellence for its innovative panel, A Review and Discussion on the Impact of Title IX and Women in Athletics, held at the George R. Newman Center on February 24, 2023. The accolade recognizes initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership.
In all, 25 schools and two conferences have been tabbed as finalists, as determined by a committee of athletics administrators. The national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee selected the top three finalists, who will be announced at the Division II business session on January 13 at the 2024 NCAA Convention in Phoenix.
“This honor further recognizes the outstanding effort that many people at Caldwell University and our Athletics program put into organizing such and impactful event,” said Mark A. Corino, Caldwell University Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics. “The distinguished panel provided valuable insight into Title IX’s history and impact on women in athletics, making it one of the most special days ever for our department, the University and the community at large.”
In front of a packed crowd, the event featured a background segment on Title IX and its contributions in promoting women in athletics, followed by a panel of influential women in athletics from different perspectives in a discussion forum with renowned New York sports personality Tina Cervasio serving as the moderator for the event. The standout lineup included Caldwell alumna Sarina Soriano ’16, collegiate basketball coach Linda Cimino, sport and performance psychology professional Dr. Maggie Tieman, collegiate basketball coach Johannah Leedham, with additional insight from Caldwell’s compliance and risk officer Elizabeth Elices and athletic compliance and student welfare officer Lynne Machtemes ’98.
The next day, Caldwell recognized 50 of its top female student-athletes of all time, as well as female coaches, administrators and pioneers who helped propel the growth of women’s sports.
Division II honors its members each year for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders within their communities or on their campuses. Each finalist will receive $500. In addition, the winner will receive $2,500, the first runner-up will receive $1,250 and the second runner-up will receive $1,000. All prize money is intended to be used for future SAAC initiatives or community engagement events.
