North Carolina Central University

ATHLETICS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Alley
National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators
(910) 793-8244
jalley@nacwaa.org

WILMINGTON, NC - This year, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) will honor Sandra Shuler of North Carolina Central University, as one of its five 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Joining Shuler are four other very special women, each of whom has provided outstanding leadership in intercollegiate athletics, they include Dr. Joanna Davenport (posthumously) (Auburn University), Dr. Carla Lowry (Southwestern University), Barbara Jo Palmer (Florida State University) and Dr. Phebe Scott (Illinois State University). “It is such a privilege to pay special tribute to the women who dedicated their careers to enhancing opportunities for women in intercollegiate athletics,” said Jennifer Alley, Executive Director.

Sandra Shuler coordinated women’s athletics at NCCU from 1974 to 1980. During her administrative reign, Shuler has held titles and positions that have included Director of Women’s Athletic Association 1966-74; CIAA Vice-President Women’s Coordinator 1988-91; and President of the Volleyball Coaches Association 1981-92.  She served on several NCAA Committees, including the NCAA Special Subcommittee on Opportunities for Minorities.  

Shuler pioneered the championship format for the CIAA Volleyball and in 1973 coordinated NCCU’S transition from Women’s Athletics Association to intercollegiate athletics.   While teaching physical education at NCCU, Shuler became the volleyball coach and recruited women on campus because there were no scholarships for women at that time. Her career record as Head Volleyball Coach includes 287 wins-140 losses, including seven-time conference championship runner-up to Saint Augustine’s College. 

Aside from volleyball, in 1966 Shuler organized and coached the first NCCU intercollegiate softball team.   In her time of coaching and administrating, Shuler authored: Policies and Procedures for Coaches of Women’s Sports, followed by Policies and Procedures for Coaches of Men’s Sports in 1980 as well as the History of NCCU’s Physical Education and Recreation Department from 1937-1985.

According to Ingrid Wicker-McCree, Associate Athletics Director at North Carolina Central University, “She’s (Shuler) a magnificent woman, a pioneer. She had ideas back in the early ‘70s when Title IX was starting to be in the forefront. She just pushed the buttons and made it possible for women at our school and in all sports.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to athletics administrators who have dedicated their professional careers to advancing women in sport. Because of their tireless efforts, girls and women participating in sport truly can enjoy competitive athletics or athletic career opportunities. The 2007 Lifetime Achievement and Legacy Award Luncheon, sponsored by NIKE, will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2007, beginning at 12:30 PM at the NACWAA National Convention in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Renaissance Vinoy.
 

About National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators
Founded in 1979, National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA; www.nacwaa.org) is the only nationally recognized collegiate professional membership organization whose mission is to enhance and promote opportunities for women in intercollegiate athletics administration.  NACWAA with nearly 2,000 members promotes the growth, leadership, and success of women as athletics administrators, conference commissioners, professional staff, coaches and student-athletes.  It is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to providing education al programs, professional and personal development opportunities, information exchange, and support services to enhance collegiate athletics.