In celebration of the 24th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 3, the Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership presented the Breaking Barriers Award to Charlita Williamson, Edison High School Community Resource Liaison and athletic coach, at the Minnesota State Capitol. The Breaking Barriers Award celebrates individuals or organizations for breaking barriers, overcoming challenges and/or striving to provide athletic opportunities for girls and women of all races, ages and levels of ability. Williamson was selected based on the contributions she has made and her dedication to the Edison Girls’ Basketball and Co-Ed Track and Field teams since she came to the school in 2007.
Williamson instantly connected with the student athletes and their parents. She worked to increase parent involvement, improve players’ self-esteem and promote consistent attendance in class, practice and on the court; all of which helped reverse the girls’ basketball team’s losing record within one year. Her coaching efforts led the team to the second round of state playoffs for the first time in 10 years.
“Ms. Williamson spends endless hours with her student athletes before, during and after school,” said LaTanya Daniels, assistant principal at Edison. “Her student athletes have experienced consistent attendance and improved GPAs. She has reached out to students struggling to graduate and facing homelessness, and she has assisted 90 percent of her graduating seniors with obtaining basketball or track scholarships at higher learning institutions.”
National Girls and Women in Sports Day, created by the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1987, shines a light on the accomplishments of women and girls involved in athletics.
