Plarski Makes Foundation Gift to Endow Annual Student-Athlete Award

April 11, 2022

Charlotte, NC – A pioneer in collegiate women's sports, Lea Plarski has made a $25,000 gift to the NJCAA Foundation to endow the association's annual scholarship that already bears her name, the Lea Plarski Award. This gift will be used to fund the scholarship presented to an NJCAA student-athlete who exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, and athletic ability.

The next award recipient will be recognized at this year's NJCAA Foundation Awards Event held on Friday, June 10, 2022, at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown in Charlotte, NC.

"The ongoing generosity from Lea Plarski and her countless years of service to the NJCAA will make an impact for many years to come," said Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. "Lea Plarski is one of the greatest champions of the association and it is because of leaders like her that so many student-athletes are provided life-changing opportunities through the NJCAA."

Plarski dedicated many years of service to the association and was the athletic director at St. Louis Community College (MO). Plarski was instrumental in establishing the Women's Division of the NJCAA in 1975 - the first national collegiate athletic organization to develop such a structure. Plarski served as Vice President of the NJCAA Women's Division from 1975-90 and in 1990 was tabbed the first female president of the NJCAA. Plarski is also a member of the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame inaugural class, announced in 2021.

"Opportunity. That's the umbrella word for the NJCAA," says Plarski. "It's the avenue by which talented student-athletes can continue their high school competition at a higher level that otherwise might not be available to them. It's the avenue through which coaches and support staff can begin or extend their careers in the sports to which they're dedicated. It's the avenue along which administrators can rise to leadership roles in a variety of areas. It is the avenue on which I began my travel from my own community college experience in St. Louis to positions locally, nationally, and internationally."

"Significantly, the NJCAA was the first organization of its kind to equalize the playing field for female student-athletes and subsequently, to open the door to leadership opportunities for women. I am humbled and grateful to every member of the NJCAA who gave me that opportunity. I am passionate in my thanks to the dedicated, selfless people who have served and who continue to serve the association in the best interests of our student-athletes and our member institutions."

For past award recipients, visit: Lea Plarski Award Recipients

For more on the NJCAA Foundation Awards Event, visit: NJCAA Foundation Awards Event

About the NJCAA Foundation  

The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service. For more information, visit: NJCAA Foundation.

About the Lea Plarski Award

The NJCAA's Lea Plarski Award is handed out annually in the name of former NJCAA President Lea Plarski as recognition of her tremendous service to the NJCAA and two-year college athletics. The former director of athletics at St. Louis Community College/Florissant Valley, Plarski helped to establish the Women's Division of the NJCAA in 1975.  She served as Vice-President for Women from 1975-1990 when she made NJCAA history as the first female ever elected to the office of President, a position she held from 1990-1996. In honor of her numerous accomplishments, as well as her undeniable dedication to the student-athlete, the NJCAA Lea Plarski Award was created. Since 1995, the award has been presented to an NJCAA student-athlete who exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, community service, academic excellence, athletic ability, and achievements – qualities that were the cornerstones of the Plarski "era".