Nov. 1, 2004
SEATTLE, Wash. - Fairfield University women's golfer Jill Macari has been named a semifinalist for the John Wooden Trophy as was announced today by Athletes for a Better World's Executive Director, Dan G. Tripps, Ph.D.
The John Wooden Trophy is presented to two distinguished athletes - one intercollegiate and one professional - that best display character, teamwork, and citizenship, the attributes Athletes for a Better World deems central to transforming individuals, sport, and society.
Macari spent the 2004 spring semester studying abroad at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and was nominated for her efforts involving the Baphumelele Children's Home, an orphanage 20-kilometers southeast of Cape Town. While volunteering at the orphanage, Macari decided to use her resources in the United States to help raise over $2,500, which the orphanage was able to use to purchase essentials, like diapers and formula, as well as a stove, a freezer, and coats and shoes for over 60 children.
The Reading, Mass., native was one of 96 student-athletes nominated for the award and will find out next week if she is chosen as one of six finalists that will be placed on a ballot for national consideration by 100 electors around the country.
The 11 other semifinalists are: William Betz (Men's Swimming, Brigham Young University), Patrick Cobbs (Football, University of North Texas), Craig Forth (Men's Basketball, Syracuse University), Dionnah Jackson (Women's Basketball, University of Oklahoma), Clark Lea (Football, Vanderbilt University) Lunzaya Nlandu (Men's Basketball, Western Carolina University), Caroline Renkin (Women's Soccer, University of North Carolina at Wilmington), Amber Rogers (Women's Volleyball, Illinois State University) DeAngelo Williams (Football, University of Memphis), Lauryn Williams (Women's Track and Field, University of Miami), Michael Williams (Football, Stephen F. Austin State University).
The awards ceremony will take place on January 10, 2005, in Los Angeles, Calif.
