The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is honoring University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft for her significant contributions to further inclusion within athletics.
The NCAA鈥檚 office of inclusion and human resources recognized Genshaft with a award during the women鈥檚 basketball championship game on Sunday night at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
In 2010, Genshaft became the first woman to chair the NCAA Division I Board of Directors. She is also a past chair of the Big East Conference and American Athletic Conference Councils of Presidents. In 2016, Genshaft received the Dr. Claire Van Ummersen Presidential Leadership Award from the organization then called the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators.
鈥淐ollegiate athletics are such an important part of the student experience, and I鈥檝e always been a proud supporter of all our teams and student-athletes,鈥� Genshaft said. 鈥淥ur athletics program not only contributes to an engaged and enthusiastic campus environment, it also brings people together from all backgrounds and experiences, serving as a platform for greater understanding and inclusion.鈥�
The NCAA hosts a Legacy Celebration at its Women鈥檚 and Men鈥檚 Final Fours as an opportunity to recognize former student-athletes, coaches, administrators and community leaders who have had significant achievements on or off the court of competition and who have positively influenced intercollegiate athletics or sports in general.
Other local recipients of this year鈥檚 Living Legend awards include former USF women鈥檚 basketball player and member of the USF Athletics Hall of Fame Wanda Guyton, USF alumnus Carolyn House Stewart and Gwen Martin Miller.
鈥淚t is an honor to celebrate the lives of these four women who are activists, educators, community leaders, role models and former athletes,鈥� said Darryl A. Peal, NCAA managing director of external engagement and community partnerships. 鈥淭hese honorees represent fortitude, excellence and commitment as women who have broken barriers and led the charge for change and inclusion. Their lives and work are worthy of celebration.鈥�
Genshaft will step down as USF president effective July 1, after completing a historically successful 19-year tenure.