By Kerry Dunning

Summer, 2019

It was a grand Garnet and Golden Finale to the year's celebration of the 50 years of women's intercollegiate sports at Florida State. Just the gathering of university dignitaries, boosters, players and coaches who witnessed the beginnings to women athletes of today said it all.

"It's been wonderful to reflect on our tradition of women's sports dating back to the days when the Florida State College for Women was here," FSU President John Thrasher said. "Those early days really laid the groundwork for Florida State to become one of the first schools to fully support women's intercollegiate athletics in the modern era."

Reflecting on the year of events put together under the leadership of Florida State Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator Vanessa Fuchs and a committee of who's who, it's hard to imagine a more perfect scenario. Two national championships in 2018 with multiple spring teams and individual women athletes challenging for ACC titles and NCAA berths, all anchored by women in attendance who bore the mantle of pioneers.

"I personally have learned so much from these women this past year," said Fuchs, herself a former basketball player at FSU. "You were there from the beginning and I loved hearing the stories you've been able to share throughout the year."

The evening, co-hosted by conference coach of the year Brooke Niles (beach volleyball) and aspiring broadcaster Madison Fitzgerald (sophomore volleyball player), featured three special award presentations and the announcement of $7.2 million toward women's athletics programs.

The Champion Beyond the Game recognizes former women athletes who have excelled in life because of the lessons learned in sports. This year's honoree, Darby Cottle Veazey, was a two-time all-American who played on two slow-pitch national championship teams.

"Coming back to FSU and Tallahassee is always an honor and always brings back great memories," Veazey said. "The 50th has made me reflect on the fact that I was one of the first. When I got here, I was just playing softball and having a good time. So it is an honor to be back during this time."

Philanthropist of the Year award winners Russ and Genie Morcom were honored for their leadership as well as their financial support for women's athletics. They were the lead donors of the Morcom Athletic Center in 2008, and during the last year they made additional commitments to the Unconquered campaign.

"you just can't have a better group of people to be around, and we have been blessed," Russ Morcom said.

Finally, 11 Femina Perfecta Awards were handed out to current women athletes who exemplify the motto: Vires, Artes and Mores. Femina Perfecta represents the athlete elected by her own teammates because she was invaluable to the team effort. This year's honorees are Nausia Woolfolk (basketball), Brooke Kuhlman (beach volleyball), Megan Mooney (cross country), Eden Hessinger (diving), Ashley Mangan (golf), Natalia Kuikka (soccer), Cali Harrod (softball), Paige Schendelaar-Kemp (swimming), Ariana Rahmanparast (tennis), Courtney Jones (track and field) and Brianne Burkert (volleyball).

And while the official celebration has come to an end, there is still hope for another women's championship lurking.

"I know each person in this room would love for one of our spring sports to step up and win another national championship," said Fuchs, who garnered some laughter when she added. "no pressure, but we are looking for some additional trophies."