Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 27, 1997

Release #143-97

Contact:Jack Deacy, (212)788-2958, Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972


MAYOR GIULIANI HONORS THE NYU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM, 1997 NCAA CHAMPIONS

Proclaims Today NYU Violets Championship Day in New York City

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today honored the New York University Women's Basketball Team for winning the 1997 NCAA Division III Championship, the school's first NCAA title. At a City Hall ceremony, the Mayor also presented team members and coaches with a proclamation designating today "New York University Violets Championship Day" in New York City.

Joining the Mayor and the NYU Violets at today's event were Dr. L. Jay Oliva, President of New York University, Janice Quinn, Head Coach of the Violets, Arlene Weltman, Executive Director of the New York City Sports Commission, members of the NYU community and family members of the Violets.

"Last Saturday, history was made in Greenwich Village when the NYU Violets became the first team in school history to win an NCAA title," Mayor Giuliani said. "NYU displayed a competitiveness and a desire that is a trademark of New York City teams and New Yorkers. This is a team that is as diverse as the University it represents, with players from as far away as Georgia and Wyoming and as near as Queens and the Bronx."

"The players assembled today had a near-perfect season -- 29 wins and only one loss," the Mayor continued. "But beyond the NCAA Championship and their impressive record, this team's performance in the classroom is inspiring. These student-athletes have done New York University and the City proud."

On Saturday, March 22 at NYU's Coles Sports and Recreation Center, the NYU Violets defeated Wisconsin-Eau Claire 72-70 to win the NCAA Division III basketball championship. The game was decided on a dramatic last second lay-up made by junior guard and Queens native, Marsha Harris.

The 1997 NCAA Champion NYU Violets are:

* denotes Team Captains

Coaches:

Trainers: