In the fall of 1966, representatives of sixteen New York State colleges and universities participated in a crackerbarrel session, sponsored by AWPENYS on college women's athletics. Through discussions, a need for some form of organization to promote varsity athletics for college women was recognized. An ad hoc committee was selected to study the possibilities for further direction of intercollegiate athletics for women in New York State.
In the spring of 1967, a questionnaire was sent to colleges and universities in New York State. Those which indicated interest in forming a state-wide organization were invited to attend a conference in November 1967 at Brockport. After the ad hoc committee had condensed the discussion and action taken during this conference, reaction was solicited in respect to the proposed organization.
For the purpose of implementing the organization a meeting was held in May 1969 at SUNY Albany. The Women's Varsity Sports Organization of New York State Colleges (WVSONYSC) became operative with the approval of the Operating Code. Sixteen charter members, SUNY Albany, SUC Buffalo, SUNY Buffalo, SUC Brockport, SUC Cortland, Dutchess Community College, SUC Fredonia, Hartwick College, Ithaca College, SUC New Paltz, SUC Oneonta, SUC Potsdam, Queens College, University of Rochester, and Skidmore College, were all in attendance at this meeting. The first officers were elected in 1971.
In the fall of 1971, the WVSONYSC became the New York State Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NYSAIAW). This name change was made in support of the philosophy of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women.
In the spring of 1986, the NYSAIAW became the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA) to emphasize its present position as an independent organization and to reflect its additional purposes of providing leadership training for both its athletes and coaches. The NYSWCAA continues to represent colleges and universities from all corners of the state and provides eight championships.
For comments, suggestions or
questions,
please contact bmacca@utica.edu
Page creation by
lceppaglia@elmira.edu
Maintained by Bernadette Macca
Copyright © 2000 by NYSWCAA.
Last Updated: 08/15/05