May 23, 2012
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The national champion Stanford women's soccer team is being honored Wednesday by the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative during the organization's second annual Sportsapalooza at Santa Clara University's Leavey Center at 6 p.m.
BAWSI will present its Spirit of Sport Award to the Cardinal in recognition of its success while using the platform "to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them," a BAWSI press release said.
Stanford went 25-0-1 and won its first NCAA title, beating Duke 1-0, in the College Cup final.
Stanford completed a four-year stretch in which it went 95-4-4, was undefeated at home and reached the College Cup each year. Of its four seniors, Teresa Noyola, Lindsay Taylor, and Camille Levin earned first-team All-America honors. Noyola (Hermann Trophy) and Taylor (Soccer America) each received national player of the year awards.
The team's efforts on the field are matched by those off the field. They have built houses for the homeless, encouraged Special Olympics athletes to dream big and achieve their goals, raised funds for camp experiences for kids whose parents are fighting or have fought cancer. The team is an integral part of Cardinal for the Community and Cardinal Council's community work, and has been a huge supporter of BAWSI's work to empower young girls to embrace healthy, active lifestyles.
Additional special guests will include former U.S. women's soccer captain and former Stanford star Julie Foudy `93, and Pixar movie producers Darla K. Anderson and Kori Rae.
South Bay legend Brandi Chastain, a star on the 1999 World Cup winning team for the United States, will host the event alongside former San Francisco 49er tight end Brent Jones.
Tickets for Sportsapalooza are $100 for adults, $50 for youths (ages 14 and under).
The evening supports the local nonprofit that has helped more than 15,000 girls, women and children with disabilities since 2005 to develop confidence and self-esteem through physical activity. This high-energy event invites youth and their parents to connect with athletes beyond receiving a few pointers and autographs as they try new sports; but to also develop meaningful connections with tremendous role models who are really making a difference in our local communities.