Northwestern University Athletics
Tammy Williams Named Pop Warner 2011 Female Achievement Award Winner
5/25/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 25, 2011
LANGHORNE, Pa. -- Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc., the nation's largest and oldest youth football, cheer and dance organization, have announced that former Northwestern and current Chicago Bandits shortstop Tammy Williams will be the 2011 recipient of the Female Achievement Award. The Pop Warner Female Achievement Award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated remarkable strength of character and leadership in attaining achievements in her life that inspire others. The award will be presented at the 51st annual Pop Warner All-American Scholastic Banquet on May 28 in Chicago, Ill.
The annual event honors the scholastic accomplishments of Pop Warner's All-American student-athletes and recognizes notable professional athletes and industry leaders who serve as role models to Pop Warner's youth. This year, a record $110,000 in scholarships will be awarded to Pop Warner participants.
Williams, a graduate of Northwestern University, is entering her second season in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. In 2009 she was a member of the USA Women's Elite National Team, named NPF Rookie of the Year and Nokona Defensive Player of the Year, and selected to the All-NPF Team. Williams spent the 2010 season playing professionally in Japan and with the USA Softball Women's National Team before rejoining the Bandits for the 2011 campaign.
While at Northwestern she broke the school record with a 24-game hitting streak in her 2007 season, and at the time of her graduation she owned the school's single-season records for hits (91), runs (73), total bases (155), batting average (.440) and on-base percentage (.538). She is one of only six players in NCAA Division I history to have more runs scored (235) than games played (232) in a college career.
"We are honored to present Tammy Williams with our 2011 Female Achievement Award," said Mary FitzGerald, Chief Operating Officer of Pop Warner. "She is a phenomenal athlete and accomplished young woman, and serves as a great example to our student athletes."
Also being honored at this year's Banquet are the Chicago Bears, recipient of Pop Warner's NFL Team of the Year Award; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte, recipient of the Inspiration to Youth Award; and Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry Kurz, recipient of the Warner Award.
About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, Pa., Pop Warner Little Scholars is the world's largest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that mandates academic proficiency as a prerequisite for participation. Currently over 400,000 youth participate in Pop Warner programs in 43 states, Scotland, Germany, Russia, Japan and Mexico. The NFLPA estimates that 70% of all current NFL Players began their careers in Pop Warner. For more information on Pop Warner please visit popwarner.com, join the Pop Warner Facebook Fan Page or follow Pop Warner on Twitter at @Pop_Warner.
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