Richmond, VA – Johnson & Wales University – Charlotte Athletic Director, Trudi Lacey, has been named the 2017-2018 Garth Pleasant Honorary Athletic Director of the Year Award at the USCAA National Convention in Richmond, Virginia. Lacey has been instrumental in her contributions towards the Eastern Metro Atlantic Conference (EMAC). The EMAC will begin conference play in the fall of 2018. Lacey received the annual honor at the Hall of Fame Dinner of the 2018 USCAA National Convention.
The former WNBA head coach also helped the Wildcats from Johnson & Wales Charlotte to their highest ever finish as a program in the USCAA Director’s Cup. As an institution they broke into the top-20 this year with appearances from four programs at national championship events. During Fall Championship Week, the Wildcats earned bid to women’s volleyball, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer. Both the men’s soccer and women’s volleyball teams placed fifth in the championship fields. In addition, she help Johnson & Wales earn their first National Championship in school history. The women’s basketball team took home the 2018 USCAA Women’s Division II National Championship, by defeating the defending champions from Central Maine CC.
“Trudi Lacey was the clear choice for this award,” stated USCAA Chief Executive Officer Matthew Simms. “She has worked tirelessly to start a USCAA recognized conference and market new members to the USCAA. Additionally, she has kept her own house at the top of their game, winning a National Championship and have the best year as a program collectively since program inception.”
The USCAA’s Garth Pleasant Honorary Athletic Director of the Year award is an annual award bestowed upon an Athletic Director in the association who has made positive and meaningful contributions to their institution and the USCAA. The award is presented each year during the USCAA National Convention.