OPPOSITE, ABOVE:
Dr. Geri Polvino addresses guests at the March 2016 Championing Women’s Athletics Luncheon. OPPOSITE, BELOW: Panelists engage in dialogue about the progress of women’s sports, and reflect on the barriers and breakthroughs of current and former female student-athletes. RIGHT: Dr. Martha Mullins proudly displays her award alongside Director of Athletics Stephen Lochmueller, Head Softball Coach Jane Worthington and EKU President Michael Benson.
ATHLETICS The University’s inaugural Championing Women’s Athletics Luncheon in March was “not just a tribute to two incredible women who had dedicated their careers to the success of our women student-athletes at EKU,” said Colonel Volleyball Coach Lori Duncan, who had played for one of the honorees. “It was also a great reflection of the history, and many sacrifices and victories that have brought us to this day.” Duncan was on an all-female panel that discussed the growth of women’s sports, and the challenges and successes of current and former female student-athletes. Other panelists were Maribeth McBride Berman, chair of the EKU Foundation Board, alumna and longtime fan; Dr. Laurie Carter, executive vice president and University counsel, and former student-athlete; Dr. Sheila Pressley, faculty athletics representative; and Rachel Welker, women’s golf student-athlete. To conclude the event, Dr. Martha Mullins and Dr. Geri Polvino — two of EKU athletics’ most iconic figures — received awards from President Michael Benson and Director of Athletics Stephen Lochmueller.
“It’s important for us to give special attention to those studentathletes who make up our women’s teams and thank all those who support our student-athletes,” said Matt Roan, EKU deputy director of athletics, citing a support team of administrators, coaches, donors and fans. “The history of athletic success at EKU would not have been possible without the success of our women’s teams.” Mullins was EKU’s head women’s tennis coach from 1969 to 1983 and served as an athletics administrator from 1975 to 1996, first as assistant athletics director and then as associate athletics director. Her many honors speak to her reputation. In 1984, Mullins was selected for the Kentucky Women’s Intercollegiate Conference Honor Award for outstanding service to women’s intercollegiate athletics in Kentucky. In 1992, she was recognized by the Kentucky Department of Education for her contributions to women’s sports and selected by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators as her district’s Administrator of the Year. The Lexington-based Women in Sports Foundation presented Mullins its first Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992. Also a mem-
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