An award she will receive tonight is an achievement of the Faculty of Human Kinetics and the University as a whole, says professor emerita Margery Holman.

The South Western Ontario YMCA will confer its Women of Excellence Award in the category of sport, fitness, and recreation on Dr. Holman during a virtual celebration Wednesday, May 19. The award recognizes significant impact and contribution to fitness and athletics, through recreation community programs, education, and amateur or professional sports.

“So many have supported my work over the years, which makes them truly a part of this award,” says Holman. “I thank each of you for your role in supporting me, the work that is being recognized, and the vision that we have for equity.”

In a citation, the association called Holman a “trailblazer,” noting her more than 40 years’ experience as a coach, official, and academic. She served as UWindsor director of women’s sport for 18 years and coached varsity swimming and volleyball at the University, as well as teams at the local, regional, and national levels.

She joined the kinesiology faculty in 1970 and developed a course in gender and sport to ensure future leaders better understand the barriers and opportunities for women, and established the Leadership Advancement of Women In Sport.

Holman’s previous accolades include Woman of the Year in Windsor, Windsor-Essex Sports Person of the Year Female Legacy Award, induction in the Windsor Essex Sport Hall of Fame, and the Builders Award from the Ontario Volleyball Association.

She was nominated for this honour by one of her former graduate students, Rama Musharbash-Kovacsi, founder of the LaSalle Hangout for Youth.

Learn more about the awards and the virtual celebration on the YMCA website.