It's Violet at the White House - NYU Athletics (2024)

Women's Basketball 7/21/2024 10:48:00 PM

NYU's Women's Basketball Team Celebrated in Washington DC

Members of the New York University women's basketball team, along with several coaches and administrators, were welcomed to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday, July 22, as collegiate student-athletes from around the United States were celebrated on "NCAA Sports Day" at the White House.

Championship teams from all varsity sports representing NCAA Divisions I, II and III, were invited.

The Violets posted a perfect 31-0 record in capturing the 2024 NCAA Division III Championship, culminating with a51-41 victory over Smith College on March 16.

It was the second National Championship for the NYU Women's Basketball program, with the first being secured in 1997.

Players on the women's basketball team who attended Monday's event:
Maria Alvarado - "The most amazing experience that I have ever had. Definitely one of the most special moments in my life, and getting to share it with the people most dear to me. It was amazing meeting other athletes, and I hope we'll be back here next year."
Brooke Batchelor - "This opportunity was truly once in a lifetime, but, hopefully there will be more. I couldn't be more proud of my team for their constant hard work that allowed us to be here today."
Natalie Bruns - "I was honored to stand behind Vice President Kamala Harris and represent NYU in this time of history. A surreal experience and exciting opportunity to celebrate hardwork of incredible student-athletes from across the country."
Yasmene Clark - "My favorite thing had to be the tour of the White House and the Kennedy Garden. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Honor Culpepper- "To be at the White House is itself an honor (no pun intended). But, to have been there at such an historic time made it so much more special."
Kelsey DuBois - "This was an exciting opportunity to celebrate our National Championship. Hearing Vice President Harris speakand touring the White House are moments I will never forget."
Mary Kate Fahey - "As a three-year member of the team, I'm so proud of the success and growth that we have had. The opportunity to visit the White House as National Champions was an experience that I enjoyed and will never forget."
Jordan Janowski - "Having the opportunity to be recognized by President Biden and Vice President Harris for our season was so meaningful. It was a really nice way to cap off our accomplishments alongside other National Champions. I am very grateful to have been here today."
Morgan Morrison - "My favorite part of the day was playing games on the White House lawn with other teams and getting to know the stories of other National Champions."
Belle Pellecchia - "I am so blessed and grateful to be able to experience such an unforgettable moment with my teammates. As a young women in today's age, being directlyaddressed by Vice President Kamala Harrisis truly inspiring.I am always proud to be a Violet, but I was extra proud today."
Caroline Peper - "The White House was an unforgettable experience. As someone who wants to work for the government, it was a unique opportunity to talk with the Secret Service and those of service to the military. It was the singular most amazing day of my life, and makes every hard moment throughout the season worth it."
Chloe Teter - "Getting to go to the White House was so incredible, a truly unforgettable experience. I am so grateful to have been part of this."
Eden Williamson - "I am so thankful to have been a part of such an incredible experience. Loved touring our nation's capital and socializing with other National Champions. Truly a day to remember!"

Coaches:
Annie Barrett - "We were honored to be part of this incredible day. "As coaches, we couldn't be prouder of our players and we are so happy to see them celebrated. and recognized on the biggest stage. Thank you to the White House and NYU administration for helping to make this happen."
Nettie Respondek - "This was such a fun day for our program and also an historic day celebratingfemale empowerment with Vice President Harris greeting all the well-deserving champions. We thank the White House and the NCAA for organizing this very coolevent."
Sarah Cloutier - "It was an amazing opportunity to celebrate on such an historic day during a very significant election year."

Athletic Training:
Matthew Devens- "Today, our student-athletes and staff represented NYU amongour nation's collegiate champions. Seeing hundreds of America's best student-athletes gathered at the White House was inspirational."

Administrators:
Janice Quinn, Senior Associate Director of Athletics - "I could not have been more proud to be at the White House with NYU on a day full of National Champions. I believe this will be a day our students will remember forever. First time NYU has been invited. Truly historic."
Jeffrey Bernstein, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications - "What a way to culminate the end of an historic women's basketball season for NYU! This day will live forever in the minds and hearts of all who attended. An unforgettable experience for many, many, many deserving young people...and for this not-so-young person, as well."

Head Coach Meg Barber was unable to attend the festivities as she was in Mexico on Sunday night leading the USA to the U17 FIBA Women's Basketball Championship.

A video of the formal proceedings can be found here.