IWLCA Acknowledges 2024 Community Awareness Award Winners
Three student-athletes honored with individual awards and four teams recognized
The IWLCA announced Julia Carr of the University of Notre Dame, Camryn Whipple of Slippery Rock University, and Yasmin Harris from Rowan University as the 2024 IWLCA Community Awareness Individual Award Winners. Old Dominion University, Lee Frostburg State University, Rowan University, and Ave Maria University have been recognized as the 2024 Team honorees.
INDIVIDUAL HONOREES
The individual Community Awareness Award recognizes those student-athletes who have contributed significantly to their community in a given academic year. These students have given their time and energy to support and develop athlete-community relations and have distinguished themselves from their peers.
Division I – Julia Carr, University of Notre Dame
Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, Julia Carr served as the co-leader of SAAC Community Service, where she orchestrated numerous impactful initiatives. She organized a successful book drive for local preschools and coordinated a meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, fostering educational and hands-on opportunities for student-athletes. In addition to her leadership with SAAC, Carr served as a team service ambassador, effectively communicating and organizing community service efforts within her team. She personally contributed over 50 hours of service, receiving recognition with awards such as the Notre Dame Athletics Top Six for Service and the Under Armour 25 x 25 Collegiate Challenge.
Her commitment extended to the Robinson Community Learning Center, where she assisted in preschool classrooms weekly, supporting teachers and engaging with students to enhance their learning experiences. Carr participated in initiatives like Fighting Irish Fight for Life, Brighter Christmas, and College Mentor for Kids, demonstrating her versatility and passion for making a positive impact in various community settings. Her role as a Headstrong Co-Ambassador further highlights her proactive engagement in fundraising and community awareness efforts.
Division II – Camryn Whipple – Slippery Rock University
Camryn Whipple’s extensive commitment to community service includes volunteering with the Transitions Achievement Program since August 2020, where she has mentored high school students with diverse needs on campus, focusing on life skills, vocational training, and physical activities. Whipple also volunteered as a coach for Butler High School Girls Lacrosse, demonstrating leadership by organizing practices and supporting the team. She also volunteered with W.O.W. to assist incoming freshmen moving into dorms and by coordinating Mercer Elementary School's Literacy Night.
Notably, she has accumulated nearly 170 hours at the Envision Blind Sports Camp, where she coaches blind athletes in lacrosse and provides mentorship. Whipple completed her Special Education field experience in a Life Skills Classroom back in December of 2023. Additionally, she is a volunteer coach for Canon McMillan Lacrosse and gives back to her high school as a volunteer coach during the summer and winter breaks.
Division III – Yasmin Harris – Rowan University
Yasmin Harris, a sophomore at Rowan University majoring in International Studies with a minor in Political Science, exemplifies dedication and compassion through her extensive community service contributions. Harris’s commitment to service is evident in various activities, including with her involvement in creating Smart Cookie Goodie Bags for the Brick x Brick Fundraiser, which supports UNICEF. She organized and participated in a fundraiser specifically for UNICEF's Brick x Brick campaign, demonstrating leadership and organizational skills. She further contributed to the community by making bookmarks for the Liberation Library, benefiting youths in the juvenile system to promote literacy and education.
Harris also participated in the CKI General Meeting service projects, coloring sheets for hospitalized children and nursing home residents through Color a Smile, and making cards for veterans at Angel’s Outreach. Additionally, Harris contributed to Breast Cancer Awareness by making bracelets for a fundraiser and wrote letters for breast cancer patients and survivors through Girls Love Mail.
TEAM HONOREES
The purpose of the Team Community Awareness Award is to recognize one team in each Division that has contributed significantly to their community during the previous academic year. Academics are not part of the award, and at least 50% of the team’s roster must have participated in community service activities to be eligible for the award.
Division I – Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University's Women's Lacrosse has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to community service. Over the past seven years, the Monarchs have organized an annual 9/11 dinner at a local firehouse on campus, fundraising for charity chosen by the firehouse. Additionally, the team actively engages in various community initiatives. They host the Monarchs Madness Youth Clinic, offering free lacrosse training for local elementary school players to promote the sport and community involvement. They also participate in events like the Rat Race, where they assist in organizing and supporting a local elementary school fundraiser, ensuring the safety of participants and cheering them on.
The team contributes significantly to local food security through events like Monarchs Give Back, where they assist in packing and delivering food packages to families in need. They also participate in the ODU Athletics Pen Pal Program, fostering relationships with local youth through letter-writing initiatives. Moreover, the team demonstrates a commitment to broader community support through initiatives like Mercy Meals, delivering meals to homeless shelters every Monday throughout the academic year. They also participate in events such as ODU Day at local elementary schools, engaging in educational activities and field day games with students. ODU's involvement extends to supporting causes like suicide prevention through participation in the Out of the Darkness Walk and organizing toy drives for families in need during the holidays through the HACE toy drive.
Division II – Frostburg State University
Frostburg State University's commitment to community service is exemplary. The team's involvement spans events like the Western Maryland Craft Beverage Festival, where they assisted with setup, ticketing, and clean-up, supporting the Allegany County Humane Society's fundraiser. They also participated in "Get in the Game," a drive for the National Bone Marrow registry, collecting swabs from campus members to potentially save lives.
The Bobcats organized and participated in the One Love Fall Playday, hosting a lacrosse tournament in honor of Yeardley Love. They also participated in a Morgan’s Message Game dedicated to raising mental health awareness. They further demonstrated their support by cheering on a runner during the Marvelous Run, promoting awareness for intellectually and physically disabled children. Additionally, the team engages in festive community events such as Storybook Holiday and actively participates in community celebrations like the Halloween Parade and Trunk-N-Treat.
Division III – Rowan University
Rowan University's Women's Lacrosse actively engages in a variety of initiatives that positively impact their local community. One of their notable events includes a community cleanup effort where team members assisted senior citizens by gardening, picking up trash, and fulfilling other household needs. The team also participates in initiatives like "Cards for Hospitalized Kids," where they handcraft hundreds of cards to brighten the days of children facing health challenges.
Furthermore, Rowan's Women's Lacrosse team contributes to youth development through Lacrosse Clinics held at local high schools. They provide free coaching and mentorship to aspiring lacrosse players, fostering a love for the sport and promoting active lifestyles among local youth.
In addition to their direct community engagement, the team actively supports charitable causes such as Go4theGoal, raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research through special events and games. This initiative underscores their proactive stance in addressing critical health issues affecting children. The team also participates in initiatives aimed at mental health awareness, such as the Mindful Athlete Program and Hidden Opponent activities. The Profs also demonstrated their community spirit through initiatives like the Thanksgiving Food Drive, providing meals for families in need, and the AOK event, where they assist local children in purchasing and wrapping gifts for their families during the holiday season.
NAIA – Ave Maria University
Ave Maria University's Women's Lacrosse team exemplifies extraordinary commitment to community service. One of their significant contributions includes participating in Habitat for Humanity builds. Over several Saturdays in both fall and spring, team members dedicated 20 hours each to constructing homes in Immokalee, FL. They actively engaged in painting, nailing foundations, cleaning, moving heavy objects, spackling, and assisting construction crews. Their efforts contribute to Habitat's largest subdivision yet, providing much-needed affordable housing to an area facing economic challenges.
Additionally, the Gyrenes participated in campus beautification projects, such as the Campus Beatification event. They worked alongside Ave Maria University's Physical Plant to garden, plant, and mulch, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability of their campus. This initiative not only beautifies their immediate surroundings but also fosters a sense of pride and community among students and faculty.