Kennedy Goss Named 2024 Tina Sloan Green Award Recipient

The IWLCA is proud to announce that Kennedy Goss, a former senior at the University of California, Berkeley, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Tina Sloan Green Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who promote a culture of equity and inclusion within athletics.

"It is an incredible honor to receive the 2024 Tina Sloan Green Award from the IWLCA,” stated Goss when notified of her selection. “This recognition represents not just my personal journey, but also the collective efforts of those who have supported and uplifted me along the way. Tina Sloan Green's legacy of breaking barriers and promoting diversity in lacrosse is a powerful reminder of the work still to be done, and I am deeply committed to continuing her mission of creating more inclusive opportunities for all. This award inspires me to keep pushing forward, knowing that together, we can shape a brighter future for the sport." 

As president of the Black Student-Athlete Community (BSAC) at UC Berkeley, Goss demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes. Under her guidance, BSAC was named the Student Organization of the Year at the National Black Student Athlete Summit in 2024, highlighting her impact on both her peers and the broader community.

Goss has been instrumental in a variety of community engagement initiatives. She played a key role in organizing the "Go Girls, Go Bears, Go Play!" event, which engaged over 1,000 local youth and families in a day of sports and activities promoting girls’ participation in athletics. Additionally, she has collaborated with organizations like Oakland Lacrosse to run clinics aimed at introducing the sport to middle school students in underserved areas, ensuring that more young people have access to athletic opportunities.

In his recommendation letter, Ty-Ron M. O. Douglas, Ph.D., Associate Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice at UC Berkeley, noted, “Kennedy epitomizes the spirit and values of this award... Her engagement speaks to her capacity and commitment to build community for Black student-athletes at Cal.”

Goss’s efforts extend beyond event planning; she actively volunteers in local schools, including KIPP Bridge, where she assists with recess activities and engages young students in reading and sports. She has also served as a speaker at events that connect elementary students with student-athlete role models, further fostering a sense of community and mentorship.

Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Jennifer Wong expressed her admiration for Goss’s drive and dedication to “bettering the lives of her fellow student-athletes, the surrounding Cal community and young lacrosse players.”

Goss’s efforts not only enrich the athletic community at UC Berkeley but also inspire others to embrace inclusivity and celebrate diversity. Her dedication to her peers and the broader community exemplifies the spirit of the Tina Sloan Green Award, and the IWLCA looks forward to celebrating Goss’s achievement at this year’s IWLCA Convention during the IWLCA Honors Dinner & Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 21 inside the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel. For more information, click here.