2012 National Girls and Women in Sports Day

 

President Sullivan and Athletics Director Craig Littlepage Celebrate the Historic Gold Medal Win by Our Wahoo Women

On Sunday, January 29th, the UVa Women’s Center and Department of Athletics co-sponsored the 2012 National Girls and Women in Sports Day to celebrate the success of UVa Women’s Field Hockey team members Paige Selenski and Michelle Vittese on the international stage. As members of Team USA in the Pan American Games, the women helped defeat Argentina for the first time since field hockey was added to the Pan American Games in 1987. 

Members of the University community gathered in Pavilion I for light refreshments and remarks honoring Selenski and Vittese. Accolades came from all who have had the honor of interacting with the athletes on and off the field. After being introduced by Jane Miller, Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Programs, Women’s Field Hockey Coach Michele Madison stated “… [the] coach of [Team] USA, the technical director, and the captain of the team said, ‘the Virginia players were amazing. Their play inspired us to win, they came to win, and they would not be denied.’”

Sharon Davie, Director of the UVa Women’s Center, reminded reception attendees of the origin of National Girls and Women in Sports Day which celebrates the achievements of volleyball star and Olympian Flo Hymen. "[This day] brings attention to women’s sports and to the achievements [and] issues that still face girls and women in sports,” said Davie.

In addition to praises offered by coaches and athletic staff, Selenski and Vittese offered supportive comments about each other. “She’s one of the most skilled players on the  team, and she’s one of my best friends,“ Vittese said of Selenski, who expressed similar sentiments about Vittese. “She is one of my best friends [and] one of my closest teammates … it’s just been an honor to see her grow as a person and as a player.”

After the reception, attendees watched the UVa Women’s Basketball game against Florida State, where Vittese and Selenski were honored at halftime. UVa women notched another win in the game, downing Florida State 62-52.

Please click here to read details on the thrilling Pan Am Field Hockey game.

The Department of Athletics article is here.

By Chelsea Sweeney.