Chantal Vallée, head coach of the national champion Lancers women’s basketball team, will discuss how she built a winning program and developed the character of her players in a presentation entitled “Lead to Succeed On and Off the Court” today during the 12th annual Athena Scholarship Luncheon.

The event, sponsored by the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, will honour the three 2011 recipients of the Athena Scholarship:

• Julie Caron (BMus 2007, BSc biochemistry 2009), a two-time UWindsor grad now studying medicine at the University of Toronto:
• Holly Lafontaine, (BASc environmental engineering 2009), currently pursuing master’s studies in civil engineering at the University of Windsor; and
• Taryn Matis, a St. Clair College student of chemistry laboratory technology.

The scholarship carries a $3,000 award and recognizes Windsor women for community involvement, potential for leadership, demonstrated academic excellence, and helping others – especially women – to achieve their potential.

Today’s luncheon at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts begins with a reception at 11:30 a.m. Read more about this year’s recipients.

Nominations are now open through November 18 for the 2012 Athena Award, presented each year to honour men and women who are recognized for business and professional excellence, for community service and for encouraging women to achieve their leadership potential through activities such as mentoring and role-modeling. Find a nomination package on the chamber’s Web site.