Gwendolyn Haffenden

Award for Athletic Leadership

Presented by George H. VanderZwaag, Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation

I am the Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation and I am honored to introduce Gwendolyn Haffendon as the winner of the 2020 Award for Athletic Leadership.

As a champion of the Meliora spirit, Gwen has contributed to our campus in a hugely positive manner while demonstrating outstanding leadership to the varsity soccer team and University community.

Among her many pursuits, she served as vice president of Grassroots Soccer, worked as a lifeguard in the Goergen Athletic Center, and served as a research assistant in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.

As a member of the soccer team, she played goalkeeper until injuries ended her playing career; she maintained an important leadership role with the team, transitioning to coaching and serving as a mentor to other students; she served as a team representative on the Varsity Student Athlete Advisory Committee; and she worked as an instructor at Rochester soccer youth camps.

She is a strong and effective motivator and leader based on her strong work ethic and caring nature. No matter the obstacles in front of her, she has always been a positive leader committed to helping others achieve their goals.

Congratulations, Gwen!

About the Award

The Award for Athletic Leadership recognizes the positive contributions athletes make to the campus community. It is awarded to a student athlete who has contributed to campus life and demonstrated leadership within their club or varsity sport.