Jan. 31, 2012
WASHINGTON - Georgetown University Head Women's Golf Coach Katie Brophy and women's basketball Director of Operations Tasha Harris were selected by the BIG EAST Conference as recipients of the BIG EAST Professional Development Grant for Women and Ethnic Minorities program, which provides funds for professional development to the league's coaches and administrators. The program is in its fifth year of existence, and provided three coaches and five administrators with a total of $11,850 in aid.
The purpose of this grant program, which was developed by the BIG EAST's Senior Woman Administrators (SWAs) in conjunction with league officials, is to provide financial support for the various professional development opportunities for women and ethnic minority coaches and administrators who work at a BIG EAST Conference member institution. The BIG EAST will continue to allocate and distribute money for this program on an annual basis.
"This unique initiative continues to underscore and illustrate the BIG EAST Conference's commitment to diversity -- a point our 16 senior woman administrators feel is important to emphasize in a tangible way," said Associate Commissioner Donna DeMarco, who works directly with the league's SWAs. "Now that this has become an annual occurrence, we are able to provide rewarding professional development opportunities within all levels of our member institution athletic departments.
Brophy was one of three coaches selected, joined by Catherine Proto (Seton Hall), and Katie Potts (Marquette). Harris was one of five administrators selected, joined by Kara Killion (Notre Dame), Charles Small (Pittsburgh), Katharine Moore (Providence) and Shelley McDuff (USF).The total amount awarded was $11,850 (out of $12,000).
The SWA Professional Growth and Development Subcommittee members are Kathryn Statz of DePaul, Sarah Bobert of Marquette, Jill LaPoint of Providence, Lynn Tighe of Villanova and Terri Howes of West Virginia. The BIG EAST staff liaison is Director of Sport Administration Kristen Brown.
Among the seminars, programs, conferences and workshops that this year's recipients will be attending include the NCAA Women's Coaching Academy, NSCAA Permier National Coaching Course, Athletic Business Conference & Expo, Association of Luxury Suite Directors Convention, NACWAA HERS Convention, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, NACWAA Leadership Enhancement Institute and the Black Coaches Association Convention & Expo.
Brophy is in her first year at the helm of the Hoya women's golf program. She will be attending the International Olympic Committee (IOC) World Conference on Women & Sport in Los Angeles next month.
"Out of the very talented applicant pool, I'm thankful that the committee chose me to receive this grant," Brophy said. "Professional development is vital to our growth as individuals and working in the Nation's Capital heightens our awareness of the global nature of our daily decision."
The BIG EAST's grant program drew attention from Diverse magazine two years ago. The magazine focuses exclusively on matters of access and opportunity for all in higher education.
