LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - The Department of Athletics and women's basketball program in conjunction with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Recreation Programs collaborated on a unique event that took place on Monday, March 28 as part of Womxn's History Month.  The event, celebrating the outstanding leadership, academic and community service achievements of women in varsity athletics and club sports at Rider and honoring the 50^th Anniversary of Title IX, was held on campus with over 130 attendees.
 
In addition to speakers from the University community that included President Gregory Dell'Omo, Meghan Holohan '99, '01, a former Rider women's basketball player and current Global Head of Enterprise Data Sales for Blooomberg LP, delivered a keynote address reflecting on how her participation in athletics at Rider helped shape her future.  She also offered words of advice to on how to job interview prep and network to the student-athletes in attendance.
 
Several awards were also given out to honor some varsity athletes for their academic, leadership and community service and others acknowledged the importance of women participating in club sports and diversity and inclusion initiatives at the University as well.
 
Awards were presented to the following individuals and teams:
Athletics Department Academic Award (Team):  Women's Cross Country
Athletics Department Academic Award (Individual):  Makenzie Rodrigues, Women's Soccer and Paola Carlesso, Women's Swimming & Diving
Athletics Department Community Service Award (Team):  Field Hockey
Athletics Department Leadership Award:  Makenzie Rodrigues, Women's Soccer
CDI Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Award:  Liz O'Hara, Unified Sports Club
Club Sports "Best All-Around" Award (Team):  Dance Team
Club Sports "Best All-Around" Award (Individual):  Emily Kim, President, Softball Club
 
"This was a terrific event for us to recognize the amazing contributions our NCAA Division I and club sport athletes make in representing the University," said Karin Torchia, senior associate director of athletics and senior women's administrator.  "There are so many powerful and strong young women on the Rider University campus and by showcasing their successes in the classroom, in their respective sports and in the community, we are able to acknowledge and appreciate the demands and expectations that are placed on them every day."