Macari named John Wooden semi-finalist

It was announced Monday that Fairfield University women’s golfer Jill Macari ’05 was named a semifinalist for the prestigious John Wooden Trophy.

The trophy is presented to two distinguished athletes in the nation- one collegiate and one professional – that best display character, teamwork and citizenship, attributes that the Athletes for a Better World organization believes to be central to transforming “individuals, sport, and society.”

As a semi-finalist, Macari is now one of only 12 student-athletes in the nation being considered for the award.

Macari was nominated for the award by members of Fairfield’s Sports Information department, due to her accomplishments while studying abroad at the University of Cape Town in South Africa during the spring of 2004. While there, Macari volunteered at the Baphumelele Children’s Home, an orphanage outside of the city. With assistance from her resources in the United States, Macari helped raise over $2,500, allowing the orphanage to purchase a stove, freezer and coats and shoes for over 60 children.

Macari was originally one of 96 student-athletes nominated for the award and will discover next week if she qualifies as one of the six finalists for the trophy. If selected, Macari will be placed on a ballot for nation consideration by 100 electors around the country.

Although honored by the recognition, Maari feels that the award more an honor to the children of Baphumelele that anything else.

“It was really unexpected, but of course I’m excited,” she said. “But its more or less a tribute to the boys and girls of my school and town.”