The Fifteenth Annual Awards Dinner
Monday, April 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
The Drawbridge Inn * Ft. Mitchell, KY

The Association will recognize the achievements of athletes and coaches who participateand excel in girls' and womens' sports and fitness. Please join the excitement this year.

Featured Speaker is Ceal Barry
Basketball Coach at the University of Colorado

The following awards were presented at the 2008 event:
Donna de Varona Spirit of Sport
Barb Northcutt
Wilma Rudolph Courage Award
Sarah Billstrom
Seniors Sportswoman of the Year
Ruth Madsen & Pat Drexler
Mentally or Physically Challenged
Brennan Eve
Lifetime Service Award
June Merten
Special Award
Don Johnson
Coach of the Year: College
Brian Neal - Thomas More College
Coach of the Year: High School
Ed Stewart - Williamsburg HS

College Sportswoman of the Year

Amanda Jackson - Miami U, Basketball
Julianne Hoekzema - NKY, Cross Country
Laura Neufarth - Miami U, Cross Country
Alicia Lawrence - NKU, Golf
Renee Hein - UC, Track & Field
Elizabeth Holmes - NKU, Volleyball

High School Sportwoman of the Year

Amber Gray - Lakota West, Basketball
Nicole Oehler - McAuley, Bowling
Brooklyne Ridder - Oak Hills, Cross Country
Alex Carl - Notre Dame Acad, Golf
Kiondra McGee - Ursuline, Soccer
Kirsten Allen - Ryle, Softball
Danielle Jansen - Mason, Swimming
Gabby Steel - Summit CD, Tennis
Mikeal Roberts - Princeton, Track & Field
Melissa Harpenau - Mercy, Volleyball


Association Philosophy

In an effort to develop stronger support for girls and women in sport, the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Women's Sports Association has as a primary purpose to sponsor annually an awards ceremony to recognize, at the local level, outstanding achievement of female athletes and those who support them. Such recognition is important as it enables the athletes to realize their participation in sport is valued and respected, and it enhances community awareness and support. The association believes strongly in the valuable lessons and benefits that accrue from participation in sport.

Examples include learning the importance of teamwork, respecting others for their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses, learning to perform under pressure, the importance of striving for a goal, experiencing how practice, repetition, and focusing on task produces excellence in performance. Such benefits are vital assets as women take their place in today's work place. The association believes that girls and women should have optimum opportunity to participate in the sport experience. Besides gaining in confidence, self-esteem and pride, girls who engage in sport are 82% less likely to get involved with drugs. They are 80% less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy and are three times more likely to graduate from high school. Physical exercise strengthens the heart, increases bone mass, and may lower a teenage girl's life long risk of breast cancer.

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