Loyola's Carolyn O'Connell Named NACWAA Administrator Of The Year
CHICAGO -- Carolyn O’Connell, a veteran administrator at Loyola University Chicago, has been selected as one of eight recipients of the 2011 National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) Administrator of the Year award. O’Connell, who serves as the Ramblers’ senior associate athletics director and senior woman administrator, will be recognized at the annual NACWAA National Convention in Pittsburgh on October 11.
One of the most well-respected administrators in the Midwest, O’Connell, who is in her 32nd year at Loyola, has served on numerous committees, including the Horizon League Championships and Facilities Committee and the Membership Committee. She has also served on the local organizing committee for the Women’s Leadership Symposium.
“I cannot think of a more deserving individual for this award than Carolyn O’Connell,” Loyola Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. M. Grace Calhoun said. “Carolyn has dedicated her life to helping student-athletes and coaches at Loyola and is one of the most beloved individuals on our campus.”
A former member of the NCAA Initial Eligibility Waiver Committee and the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, she also completed the NCAA Fellows Leadership Development Program.
From 1979-83, O’Connell served as the head women’s volleyball coach at Loyola and compiled a 173-87 record, and guided the Ramblers to the 1983 North Star Conference championship, while collecting conference coach of the year accolades.
Sponsored by Jostens, the NACWAA presents Administrator of the Year awards to members for their significant contributions made as administrators in intercollegiate athletics. Selected by the NACWAA Awards Committee, nominees are awarded from seven categories: NCAA Division I FBS, FCS, and Division I; NCAA Division II; NCAA Division III; NAIA/NJCAA/Community College and Association/Organization.
Joining O’Connell as NACWAA Administrator of the Year award winners are: Themy Adachi (Mills College), Wendy Taylor May (UC San Diego), Karen Morrison (NCAA), Susan Delaney-Scheetz (Penn State), Carol Howe-Veenstra (College of Saint Benedict), Donna Woodruff (Stony Brook) and Theresa Yetmar (Baker).
(Release courtesy LoyolaRamblers.com)
