Rock Hill, S.C. – The International Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) announced its 2025 Community Awareness Award winners as Winthrop's lacrosse team was recognized as a team award honoree for the NCAA Division I level.
The purpose of the Team Community Awareness Award is to recognize one team in each Division that has contributed significantly to their community during the previous academic year. Academics are not part of the award, and at least 50% of the team's roster must have participated in community service activities to be eligible for the award.
"It's an incredible honor for our Winthrop Lacrosse team to receive the IWLCA Community Awareness Award, representing all of Division I Lacrosse," said head coach Hannah Potter. "We're proud to reflect the values, dedication, and growth that make our sport so special — and even prouder to do it together, as a team."
Division I – Winthrop University
From the start of the academic year, the team made a strong impact by assisting with freshman move-in, helping new students and their families transition smoothly into campus life.
In November, the team volunteered at the NCAA Southeast Regional Cross-Country Meet, guiding over 150 runners and maintaining a safe course environment. For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, they participated in a two-day service event with the university's Office of Sustainability, helping beautify campus through planting, weeding, and clean-up efforts.
Throughout the year, the team partnered with Richmond Elementary School, reading monthly to local students and dedicating a full week in March for Read Across America, totaling over 30 hours of service. One of the most impactful efforts was their involvement in the Project Life Movement, led by senior captain and SAAC President Maddy, where they helped set a record for most donor registrations in one hour on a college campus.
In March, the team hosted a Special Olympics and Winthrop Life Lacrosse Clinic, offering adaptive lacrosse activities to individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities and inviting them to a dedicated game the next day. They also showed their commitment to crisis response by organizing a donation drive for Hurricane Helene relief, collecting and distributing essential items to affected families.
Through these diverse and meaningful efforts, the Winthrop Women's Lacrosse team has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community engagement, teamwork, and leadership, making them a deserving recipient of the Community Awareness Award.
"Our student-athletes lead with love, generosity, and inclusivity — qualities that will carry them far beyond the lacrosse field. As their coach, that is what I'm most proud of," added Potter. "These traits were on full display throughout the year, especially in our time with friends from Winthrop Life and Richmond Drive Elementary. A special thank you to Dan Morrison and Beth Pearson for trusting and supporting our team throughout the year. This recognition is not just about our efforts, but a reflection of the collective impact so many student-athletes and programs are making as they grow our game within their own communities."
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