Claudia Dodson Integrity in Sport Award

All six of the finalists for 2011 have incredibly impressive resumes – but even more importantly, they have embodied the qualities of being good role models, fair-minded competitors, and gracious winners. Although all are worthy of our highest admiration, we did need to pick a winner.
From Albemarle High School, Joy Piirto
From Charlottesville High School, Mia O'Neill
From The Covenant School, Emily Smethurst
From Monticello High School, Janet Walker
From St. Anne's Belfield School, Katherine Hinermann
From Western Albemarle High School, Ellen Shaffrey

2011 Award Winner Emily Smethurst

Although the decision was difficult, the committee felt that our award winner exemplified the qualities of leadership and fair play this award stands for.

Our award recipient was a two-sport athlete. Here are a few passages from her nomination letter. One writer noted how she "handles herself with steady poise, grace, and dignity. She has wholeheartedly embraced her leadership positions…(and) left an imprint on many lives. This young woman often "took younger players under her wing…and has influenced others and brings out the best in them". Her coach commented that she "brought so much desire, passion, and competitiveness to our team that her teammates couldn't help but give their best effort." She is known for being the first to shake hands after a game, and the first to bring the team together. She shows respect for her coaches and her opponents, and more often than not deflects individual praise toward her teammates.

For her grace, sense of caring, support of others, and her passion for the game, we award the Claudia Dodson Integrity in Sport award for 2011 to Emily Smethurst, from the Covenant School.

About The Claudia Dodson Integrity in Sport Award

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).