WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – The Monmouth University Athletic Department held National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 15. The festivities included activities for Middle School Honorees and a celebration of the NJAIWA Women of the Year.
Middle School Honorees from some of the neighboring towns were acknowledged at the Women’s Basketball game Sunday February 15. The girls were selected from their coaches and principals for showing pride in their sport. The girls participated in activities with some of the student athletes here at Monmouth, including discussions regarding leadership, teamwork, confidence, and team roles.
At the end of their activities there was a panel of student athletes who answered questions posed by the middle school girls and their parents. Some of the topics covered were the transition into college, choosing between sports to play in college, practice time, and what roles did the athletes play on their respected teams. After the activities and the panel, the honorees attend the Monmouth Women’s Basketball game against St. Peter’s.
While the Middle School Nominees were doing their activities, the Women of the Year Nominees attended a brunch in the Varsity Club at the MAC, where they gave a speech about the things Monmouth has taught them and what they would pass onto younger teammates.
The NJAIWA, New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women initially recognized outstanding female collegiate athlete from schools in the area at Seton Hall University on February 1. Each year the coaches from the Monmouth University Varsity female sport teams nominate one student-athlete from each team. The Athletic Department then selects one of these girls to represent Monmouth as their Women of the Year based on three major criteria: athletic contributions, academic performance, and community service.
The 2015 NJAIAW Women of the Year from Monmouth University was awarded to junior Nicole Sandelier, a women’s softball player.
“All the women who were nominated for this award are well-deserving and I am honored to be placed in the same category as them,” Sandelier said. “This award means more to me than I can express in words because on a daily basis I am surrounded by incredible student-athletes who are dedicated to representing everything Monmouth stands for.”
This year’s Women of the Year Nominees included Kim Clemmer, Soccer; Ashley Navin, Golf; Lauren McDonald, Indoor Track and Field; Amanda Schoenfield, Field Hockey; Mariah Jacobson, Bowling; Farah Smoke, Tennis; Taylor Johnson, Outdoor Track and Field; Nicole Sandelier, Softball; MacKenzie Roche, Cross Country; Jasmine Walker, Basketball; and Allison Stathius, Lacrosse.
“It was a great honor being nominated amongst the other female athletes that were also nominated.” Senior golf nominee, Navin said. “We have such a strong athletic program here and so many great female athletes that being recognized with these follow athletes was a great experience.”
Sandelier has been elected president of the MSAAC, Monmouth Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which is the liaison between the student-athletes and the Athletic Department. She also has been a member of the Dean’s List, and is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. December of 2015 Nicole is expected to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Minor in Public Relations, and also a Minor in Public Policy.
