MASON LACROSSE RECEIVES IWLCA TEAM COMMUNITY AWARENESS AWARD
NAPLES, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2010) - The George Mason women's
lacrosse team was awarded the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches
Association (IWLCA) Team Community Awareness Award for Division I programs as
announced by the organization. The award recognizes the Patriots for their hard
work and dedication in the community.
Head coach Lauren Rywak was presented with the award during
the annual IWLCA meetings awards banquet at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples the weekend of
November 17.
"It was a great honor to be introduced in front of all my
peers, not only at the Division I level, but the II and III landscape as well,"
said Rywak on receiving the award. "To be able to accept that award on behalf
of the team was a great honor for me."
An emphasis for the team, Mason has participated in numerous
community service events throughout the year. Most recently, the team helped
raise money for the Shelter House and adopted a family for the holiday season.
"I think one of the best things about the girls getting
involved in the community service as they have the past two years, is that they
enjoy doing it," commented Rywak. "They enjoy going out there, reaching out to
the community and giving back."
In November the team participated in a canned food drive for
Hunger & Homelessness Week in addition to volunteering during the CAA Blood Drive.
At the Girl Scouts Activity Day at Manassas Fairgrounds in
October, the Patriots taught girl scouts the game of lacrosse and also
participated in the Happy Heart Walk. Mason opened the season volunteering
during Turn Off the Violence week on campus, an initiative that honors female
survivors of violence.
"Community service gives us a great opportunity to see each
other outside the lacrosse field and work with each other," Rywak noted. "It
helps us build a team bond and leadership. It is nice to see some of the girls
branch out and display their leadership skills they find in the community."
Mason opens its 2011 season with eight contests on the road
beginning February 11 at UMBC.