Day Named National Official Of TheYear
ATLANTA – Mary Day, a veteran official of 21 years in the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) program and more than 20 years in women’s college basketball, has been named the 2011 Naismith Women’s College Official of the Year by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. She will receive the award Oct. 15.
First presented in 1988, this lifetime achievement award is given to individuals who display character, integrity and dignity and have contributed to the growth, success and viability of college basketball. To be considered, candidates must be involved as a college official for at least 20 years, officiate at least one Final Four game and 10 conference tournaments.
“Mary has been a women’s college basketball staple for nearly a quarter century, and the sport simply wouldn’t be the same without her,” said Atlanta Tipoff Club Executive Director Eric Oberman. “We’re honored to recognize Mary’s achievements with this award and thank her for her extensive contributions to the sport of college basketball.”
Day was surprised at the announcement.
“There have only been a handful of times in my life where I have been rendered speechless, and this is one of those moments,” said Day. “It is absolutely amazing to be recognized with such an honor for doing something I consider to be a privilege.”
Day, a member of the Jeff Davis High School team that won the first AHSAA state girls basketball championship in 1978, began her officiating career in 1981 and called AHSAA basketball, volleyball and softball games for 16 years. She has served as an AHSAA District Director for the last five years.
Joining the college ranks in 1990, she has officiated women’s basketball games for the SEC, Atlantic Sun, C-USA, Big 12 and Sunbelt conference tournaments and is currently involved with nine different conference officiating staffs. She also refereed Final Four games in 2007 and 2008, 11 regional final and semi-final games, and has 14 years of experience working first and second rounds of the NCCA women’s tournament.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Northeast Louisiana University where she also did master’s studies in Sports Medicine.
Past Naismith Women's Award winners include:
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2010
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Denny Mayer
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2009
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Nan Sisk
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2008
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Tommy Salerno
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2007
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Tina Napier
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2006
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Joe Cunningham
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2005
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Wesley Dean
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2004
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Melissa Barlow
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2003
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Yvette McKinney
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2002
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Lisa Mattingly
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2001
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Scott Yarbrough
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2000
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Dennis DeMayo
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1999
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Violet Palmer
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1998
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Bob Trammell
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1997
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D.A. Kantner
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1996
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John Morningstar
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1995
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Darlene May
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1994
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Larry Sheppard
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1993
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Arthur Bomengen
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1992
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Sue Kennedy
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1991
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Sally Bell
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1990
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Bill Stokes
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1989
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June Courteau
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1988
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Patty Broderick
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