Parts of this release are courtesy of Springfield College and Smith College Athletic Communications
 
WESTWOOD, Mass. - As part of the NEWMAC's 25th Anniversary celebration, the conference is taking time throughout the 2022-2023 academic year to reflect on some of the pivotal moments that have transpired in the membership since its inception in 1998. These moments honor the dedication and positive influence of administrators, coaches, and student-athletes over the past two-and-a-half decades that have helped the NEWMAC, and its member institutions become champions of academic and athletic excellence and a preeminent conference in Division III.
 
In 2020 the NCAA established the OneTeam LGBTQ of the Year Recognition Awards which are honored each year to a student-athlete, coach/staff/admin and a conference/institution. In 2021 in the awards second year the NEWMAC saw two recipients from the conference claim these categories. Springfield College was garnered the Institutional Category while Smith’s Associate Athletic Director, Jess Duff was recognized in the Administrator Category.
 
Springfield and Duff were both recognized during the 2022 NCAA Convention in Indianapolis.
 
In 2021, Springfield College started a LGBTQIA+ affinity group through their Student-Athlete Leadership Team, which partnered with Athlete Ally.  Through their efforts with Athlete Ally, the goal of the group is to make athletic communities more inclusive and less discriminatory, and in doing so, help athletes advocate for LGBTQ equality. The athletics department also unveiled its True Colors video series, which allows student-athletes and staff from the LGBTQIA+ community on campus to voice their journey with the hope that others can increase their awareness and foster growth and support.  Additionally, the department also implemented the addition of pronouns to athletic rosters that appear on each team's website, further promoting an atmosphere where people feel more comfortable in a shared space.
 
At the time of the announcement, Springfield College Director of Athletics, Dr. Craig Poisson stated "It's an honor to have the efforts of our students-athletes and staff recognized as we continue to make Springfield College a welcoming and inclusive environment. In alignment with our Humanics mission of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, we want to ensure that Alden Street is a safe space for all. This award reinforces the importance of listening to our student-athletes while providing the support they need so they can optimize their performances in the classroom and in competition."
 
Duff, a former Division III student-athlete and coach and now associate athletics director at Smith, serves as a Division III OneTeam program facilitator, conducting trainings at Division III schools. She also has been a member of the Common Ground leadership team.
 
"For me seeing others — be it athletic administration, my coaches, my teammates — live openly and authentically was really transformative in my coming-out process," Duff said upon receiving the honor. "If I can be that person for someone who might be struggling, I consider that a success."
 
The NCAA Division III Institutions/Conference of the Year Award recognizes and honors a Division III institution or conference office that has demonstrated proactive efforts to create and sustain an LGBTQ inclusive culture. The NCAA Division III LGBTQ Athletics Administrator/Coach/Staff of the Year Award honors the service, leadership and promotion of LGBTQ inclusion by an LGBTQ athletics administrator, coach or staff member in Division III.
 
The NEWMAC was thrilled to see both Springfield and Jess Duff recognized for their efforts on their campuses back in 2021 and is excited to honor them as one of the Top Moments in the last 25 years of the conference.
 
About the NEWMAC

The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference is an association of 11 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with five Associate Members: Catholic University of America (Football), Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), while sponsoring 20 sports. Salve Regina University will become the conferences 12th core member effective July 1, 2023, while N.Y. Maritime will be joining as an Associate Member in football.