Claudia Dodson Integrity in Sport Award (2010)

The WinS Claudia Dodson Integrity in Sport award honors a senior female athlete who consistently displays the qualities of integrity and fair play in practice, competition, and life. The recipient of the award earns a $3000.00 scholarship toward their continued education at an institution of higher learning. Only senior female athletes are eligible. The following paragraphs describe the qualities necessary in applicants, as well as the nomination procedure.

This award honors the memory and legacy of a WinS founder, but more importantly, a person for whom girl’s participation in sport was a lifelong passion and mission. Through her work with the Virginia High School League and her advocacy for girls, Claudia Dodson worked tirelessly to increase opportunities for girls to participate in sport and to be treated equitably. She was a highly ethical leader who by her words and actions made those around her better people. Claudia understood the meaning of fair play in its truest sense: To know what’s right and act on that belief, regardless of the consequences. The recipient of this award should share those qualities. Among them:

• A dedicated athlete and scholar; demonstrates personal commitment through hard work, persistence and a strong work ethic. Not necessarily the most talented athlete, but one who has put forth consistent effort over time in her chosen sport(s).

• Role model for others; displays a high degree of integrity and ethics in her dealings with teammates, officials, coaches, and opponents. Helps others be better at what they do.

• Someone who epitomizes fair play; a gracious winner and respectful competitor; someone who upholds not only the rules of play but the “spirit” of the game.

The nomination process is twofold:

1. A coach, player, or school administrator can nominate a candidate for the award. The Athletic Director should receive nominations and decide on the candidate to be forwarded for the award. Nominations may be for someone on an opponent’s team, but no self-nominations are permitted.

2. The nominator should submit (a) the nomination form and (b) a recommendation letter providing specific information regarding why this person is a good candidate for this award, and providing specific examples of behaviors the individual has displayed that conform to the qualities of the award. The individual writing the letter should be someone who has direct knowledge of the athlete’s performance and behavior. Nominations are due no later than May 7, 2010 (NOTE: This is the same due date as the other WinS awards).

2010 Award Winners Meg Carpenter & Abby Wheeler

Meg Carpenter, Albemarle High School

Meg Carpenter played volleyball and soccer at Albemarle. Meg was nominated by her Athletic Director, Deb Tyson, who said of Meg, “Occasionally a student athlete comes along that completely stands above the rest…Meg Carpenter is one of those individuals…for her heart, her compassion, her selflessness and the infectious positive influence she has on those around her, young and old.” Her volleyball coach went on to say, “Meg is one of the most selfless players I have ever had the opportunity to coach…her support of her coaches and teammates was remarkable…she is willing to go the extra mile to instruct younger players…she has an incredible grasp on the concept that to be a great leader is to be a great servant. There is no doubt that she exhibits as much integrity, grace, and character as anyone I have ever met.” Her soccer coach echoed those comments, adding, “Meg is the ultimate team player and teammate. She is the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. Meg is definitely one of a kind and I am proud to have had the chance to work with her at Albemarle. Ms. Tyson concluded, “our studentathletes and coaches learned from her. They were also challenged to live up to her example of being a steady and dependable person of strong character – day to day, practice to practice, moment to moment…she is a young lady that Claudia would have so thoroughly admired.”

Abby Wheeler, Western Albemarle High School

Abby Wheeler played field hockey and lacrosse at Western. She was nominated by Associate principal Dr. Greg Domecq, who said of Abby, “When I read the 3 criteria for this award, I could not think of a more worthy recipient than Abby. She truly exemplifies each and every standard listed in a caring and unassuming manner. The JV lacrosse coach shared a story that she thought best illustrated her character. It seems Abby tore her ACL during the first game of her junior year, forcing her to sit out. Instead of acting hurt or disappointed, she came and helped coach the JV team. “She took an active role, which was a partnership made in heaven. She was able to teach the JV players skills, game strategy, and team work that I would never have been able to accomplish on my own. She was always enthusiastic, encouraging, and patient…Abby set an example of how to overcome frustration, disappointment, and physical pain to find a way to keep doing what you love. Abby has a history of helping others – she served as a trained peer mediator, physical education “buddy”, and founded the Western Athletic Leadership Council. Notably, she was instrumental in creating an ethics code signed by all athletes, coaches, and parents. As Dr. Domecq concluded, “Although Abby’s prowess on the field has been valued by the school, her true legacy will come from the high expectations that were developed by Abby and the council that will continue for years to come. I am confident that Abby will embrace this award with the humility and the responsibility of continuing the standards that are meant to honor the work of Claudia Dodson.”