The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) announced today the appointment of a new President-Elect and four new members to the Board of Trustees. Olympic gold medalist Angela Ruggiero, Ice Hockey, has assumed the role of president-elect and will continue serving on the Board of Trustees to provide leadership and visibility for the organization’s mission. Ruggiero will succeed current WSF President Laila Ali in 2013.

As president-elect, Ruggiero will serve a two-year term as an official spokesperson for the Foundation and will help shape strategic direction and development initiatives for the organization.

“The Women’s Sports Foundation holds a unique position in developing  opportunities for girls and women of all abilities to be active whether recreationally or competitively, and I’m excited to help lead the organization to impact even more lives,” expressed Ruggiero, who joined the Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees in January 2010. “It is an honor to continue to build the legacy created by Billie Jean King and all of our leaders. As president-elect, I look forward to working with Laila Ali to fulfill her vision as president and to carrying the torch forward for all of our athletes who cross all abilities.”

WSF is also proud to announce that Jean Afterman, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Manager, New York Yankees, Terri D. Austin, Chief Diversity Officer, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Tamika Catchings, WNBA MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Basketball, and Larry Scott, Commissioner, Pac-12 Conference, have been appointed to serve on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, effective immediately.

The foundation’s Board of Trustees includes champion athletes, prominent business leaders, major benefactors and principals of women’s sports organizations. The four newly inducted members will collaborate with the existing Board, bringing their collective experience and dynamic leadership to facilitate the exemplary operation of the organization, assist in the acquisition of financial and human resources and oversee the accomplishment of the Foundation goals and objectives.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome such inspirational athletes and business leaders to the Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Kathryn Olson, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation.  “Their diverse expertise and leadership strengths will be a great complement to our Trustees who are among the best in their fields. And we couldn’t be happier to rely on Angela’s own leadership in sports and business as she assumes her new role as president-elect.”

Angela Ruggiero, President-Elect, Olympic gold medalist, Ice Hockey

Ruggiero, a four-time Olympian and four-time world champion, is the most decorated player in the history of the USA Women’s Ice Hockey Team, earning a gold (1998), two silver (2010, 2002), one bronze (2006) and receiving the Top Defenseman Award at the 2002 and 2006 Olympics. Ruggiero was elected in 2010 to the International Olympic Committee, where she serves on the 2018 Evaluation and Coordination, the Entourage, and Athlete’s Commissions. She is a member of the WADA Foundation Board and the USOC Board of Directors. At Harvard University, Ruggiero was a four-time First Team All-American, Academic All-American, and a National Champion. Ruggiero is the first woman to play a non-goalie position during a men’s professional hockey game in North America. In addition to her work with the Women’s Sports Foundation, Ruggiero is the founder of a girls’ hockey school dedicated to teaching young women about ice hockey.

For a complete list of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, please visit: http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/home/about-us/people/board-of-trustees.

About Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation, founded in 1974, is the leader in promoting sports, health and education for girls and women.  With Billie Jean King as its founder and ongoing visionary, the Women’s Sports Foundation continues to have a profound impact on female athletics, from its vigorous advocacy of Title IX legislation to providing grants and scholarships, grassroots programs for underserved girls, and groundbreaking research.  An agent for change, the foundation has relationships with more than 1,000 of the world’s elite female athletes and is recognized globally for its leadership, vision, strength, expertise and influence.  For more information, visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

(Stamford, CT – February 6, 2012) – Chelsea Piers Connecticut is pleased to announce that it has partnered with three world-renowned female athletes to run sport-specific summer camps for children.  Soccer phenomenon Kristine Lilly will offer the Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy, hockey great Angela Ruggiero will offer the Angela Ruggiero Hockey School, and Squash legend Natalie Grainger will run summer-long squash camps at Chelsea Piers Connecticut.

Former Olympian, Ruggiero will kick-off Chelsea Piers Connecticut summer camp with a week-long ice hockey camp July 9-13.  The full-day camp will be open to girls ages 6 to 14.  Ruggiero’s teaching philosophy is simple—every player is different and is to be treated as an individual. Each player will be exposed to the different aspects of their respective positions and will be encouraged to incorporate the skills learned into their own style of play.

Lilly brings the Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy (KLSA) to Chelsea Piers Connecticut, where she will coach a one-week KLSA camp August 6 -10.  The full-day camp will be open to boys and girls ages 7 to 13.  KLSA camps are dedicated to providing campers with an opportunity to develop as individual players within a disciplined and unselfish environment.  The goal is to encourage players to respect the integrity of the game while continuing to nurture their love for soccer.  Sessions will focus on skill development, field awareness and team play.  KLSA at Chelsea Piers will be divided into two age/skill groupings to allow for maximum learning.  Campers will also benefit from off-field cross-training and daily recreational activities. Kristine and an expert staff of coaches will lead all soccer instruction to offer an unparalleled soccer experience.

Grainger will run weekly Racquets Camps in addition to Elite and High Performance Squash Camps.  Players that have a U.S. Squash National ranking or play on their school squash teams can register for intensive one-week sessions designed to help players improve their game through basic technique and drilling skills, fitness development, and fun match play. Coaches provide the same advanced coaching and training techniques that elite level pros use to help players succeed.  Grainger will lend her coaching and training skills to all squash and racquets camps throughout the summer.

“The facilities at Chelsea Piers Connecticut are ideal for training children in soccer,” commented Lilly.  “The indoor fields, off-field cross training capabilities and recreational periods allow for a comprehensive, full-day program that can cater to every level of soccer player.”

“Having retired from hockey this year, I am thrilled to be able to coach girls in hockey – a sport that has given me so much,” commented Ruggiero.  “The facilities and mission of Chelsea Piers Connecticut are exactly the sort of thing that I am excited to get involved with.”

“The squash facility will be the best in the area, and I am so excited to further develop the robust squash community in Fairfield County. Our summer camps will provide an opportunity for young players to improve while being part of a much greater multi-sport program,” commented Grainger.

“This collection of female athletes – Kristine, Angela and Natalie – are some of the very best their sports have ever seen,” commented Mollie Marcoux, Executive Director, Chelsea Piers Connecticut.  “We could not be more excited to offer local female athletes this truly unique camp opportunity.  All three women are not only among the world’s most talented, but they are all ambassadors for their respective sports and most importantly, they are ideal role models for young athletes.”
ANGELA RUGGIERO

Four-time US Olympic Ice Hockey Player Angela Ruggiero grew up in Los Angeles, California and Harper Woods, Michigan. She graduated Cum Laude from Harvard University, where she was an NCAA First Team Academic All-American as well as one of the top eight student athletes in the entire NCAA in 2004.  A star player on the U.S. Olympic Ice Hockey Team, Angela won a Gold medal in 1998, a Silver medal in 2002, a Bronze medal in 2006, and another Silver medal at the 2010 Olympics. She was the first woman non-goalie to play professional men’s hockey in North America, playing for the Tulsa Oilers alongside her brother, Bill, and also earning a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame as the first brother-sister duo to play pro hockey together.

In 2010 Angela was elected to a highly regarded position as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission.  In addition, Angela serves as a board member on the United States Olympic Committee.

KRISTINE LILLY

Lilly grew up in Wilton, CT, graduating from Wilton High School in 1989.  She went on to play at University of North Carolina, winning four national titles during her four years at the University.  She secured a spot on the U.S. Women’s National Team while still in high school and was a member of the team for 24 years.  Lilly retired on Jan. 5, 2011, as the world’s all time appearance leader with 352 caps.  She hung up her boots at age 39 as arguably the game’s most accomplished player.  Lilly scored 130 goals in her career and played in five FIFA Women’s World Cups (the only woman to do so) and three Olympic Games, helping the USA win four of those tournaments.  She currently resides in Wilton, CT, with her husband and two young children.

NATALIE GRAINGER

Grainger, Chelsea Piers Connecticut’s Racquets Director, is the current #1 women’s squash player in the United States.  Grainger has been at the top of the sport since she began competing in 1994 as the youngest player selected for the South African National Team.  In 2000 Grainger became one of the top 10 players in the world and notched the #1 spot in 2003.  Grainger has won 22 titles on the WISPA Tour.  She is a three-time US Open Champion, five-time US National Champion, a two-time National Doubles Champion, and a Pan American Games Gold Medalist.  Grainger still competes for the United States in World Team Championships and Pan American Games.   Off the court, Grainger served as the President of WISPA for eight years, retiring from that position in 2011.  She also is a US National Coach and member of the board of Squash Haven, an inner-city youth enrichment program operated at Yale University.   Grainger resides in Greenwich, CT, with her husband.

ABOUT CHELSEA PIERS CONNECTICUT

Chelsea Piers Connecticut (CPCT) is a 400,000-sq-ft state-of-the-art sports and recreation facility located in Stamford, CT, just off I-95 at Exit 9. Slated to open in July 2012, Chelsea Piers Connecticut will consist of seven core sports facilities encompassing more than 18 sports.

• The Rinks – Twin rink skating facility for ice hockey and figure skating
• Aquatics Center – Olympic-sized pool, warm water instructional and exercise pool, and 6,000 sq-ft water play area featuring three giant slides
• Gymnastics Training Center – 15,000 sq-ft gymnastics training space with a recreational trampoline center and cheerleading program
• Baseball and Softball Training Facility – Indoor turf infield and five batting cages
• Field House – Indoor 100-yard turf field for soccer, lacrosse, football, field hockey, softball and baseball; hardwood courts for basketball and volleyball; and a 1/5-mile track.
• Squash Center – Squash Center with 12 courts
• Tennis Center – Tennis Center with seven indoor tennis courts

Like Chelsea Piers New York, CPCT will combine athletic facilities with an extensive array of professional instructors and league programs for youths, teens and adults.

In addition to these sport offerings, CPCT will also be home to:

• Childcare facility and preschool – Small class sizes, certified teachers and use of the sports facilities at CPCT
• Food Service – Food service, event spaces, and catering throughout the facility
• Pro Shop – An on-site pro shop for equipment need

To learn more go to: www.chelseapiersct.com

Tune in to SPREECAST (here) at 12pm on Wednesday, January 25 and join in the conversation!

Angela Ruggiero Announces Retirement

Four-Time Olympian Represented Team USA More Than Any Other Ice Hockey Player

Angela Ruggiero, a four-time Olympian and one of the greatest women’s ice hockey players in history, officially announced her retirement from the U.S. Women’s National Team Program today.

She competed 16 years for the United States and has played more games (256) in a Team USA uniform than any other ice hockey player in the country’s history. In total, she finished her career with the U.S. Women’s National Team Program having recorded 208 points, including 67 goals and 141 assists.

“I feel honored and privileged to have represented the USA program over the past 16 years,” said Ruggiero, who is a native of Simi Valley, Calif., but also spent time growing up in Harper Woods, Mich. “USA Hockey will always be a part of me and I will cherish the experiences and memories with this team. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. I am now looking forward to my next career, as well as continuing my work representing the athletes of the world through my roles on the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee.”

Ruggiero, 31, a star player on all four U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Teams to date, won a gold medal in 1998 as the youngest member (18 years old) of the team; a silver medal in 2002 where she was named the tournament’s top defenseman; a bronze medal in 2006 where she tied for the lead among tournament defensemen with six points (2-4) and was named the tournament’s top defenseman for a second time; and another silver medal at the 2010 Olympics where she was named to the media all-star team.

Ruggiero, who was the top-ranked female hockey player in the world by The Hockey News in 2003, represented Team USA in 10 IIHF Women’s World Championships (gold-2005, 2008-09, 2011; silver-1997, 1999-01, 2004, 2007). In 2005, she scored the shootout goal that gave Team USA its first-ever gold medal in the IIHF Women’s World Championship. She was named the tournament’s top defenseman four times (2001, 2004-05, 2008) and earned a spot on the media all-star team on four occasions (2004-05, 2007, 2009).

USA Hockey’s Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004, Ruggiero graduated cum laude from Harvard University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in government. She was an NCAA First Team Academic All-American in 2004 and also earned the NCAA’s Top VIII Award that year as one of the top eight student-athletes in the entire NCAA. ESPN.com also named her one of the top-16 female athletes in the world in 2004.

Ruggiero accumulated 253 points (96-157) in her four-year career (1998-2000/2002-04) at Harvard to rank sixth all-time at the University and first among defensemen. The four-time NCAA All-American captured the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award in 2004, an honor bestowed annually on the top player in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey. Ruggiero was a finalist for the honor in each of her four collegiate campaigns.

Ruggiero made history on Jan. 28, 2005, when she and her brother, Bill, competed for the Central Hockey League’s Tulsa Oilers, becoming the first-ever brother-sister tandem to play in a professional hockey game in North America. In that contest, she also became the first female non-goalie to play in a professional hockey game in North America.

Off the ice, Ruggerio, who earned a master’s degree in sport management from the University of Minnesota in January 2011, has inspired the same leadership she created on the ice. The United States Olympic Committee board member was elected (eight-year term) to a highly regarded position as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athlete’s Commission in 2010. The commission serves as a consultative body and is the link between active athletes and the International Olympic Committee. She was later appointed to the IOC Evaluation Commission to examine potential host cities for the 2018 Olympic Games and is currently a member of the IOC’s Coordination Commission for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, and the IOC Entourage Commission.

In addition, Ruggiero is the founder of the All American Girls’ Hockey School; the author of “Breaking the Ice,” her inspirational autobiography; and the former director of the New York Islanders’ Project Hope – an organization that provides young Chinese athletes with access to educational opportunities. In 2007, she appeared in the sixth season of Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice” on NBC. Her charitable efforts are far-reaching and include involvement with the ProSports MVP Olympic Heroes Tour, Right to Play, and momsteam.com.

NOTES: Ruggiero met with members of the U.S. Women’s National Team Program earlier today in Blaine, Minn., to inform them of her decision to retire … Ruggiero will participate in a media teleconference tomorrow at 11 a.m. ET to address members of the news media.

What They Are Saying About Angela Ruggiero

“Angela’s career is unmatched and while she’s an extraordinary athlete, she’s equally as extraordinary of a human being. While her career as a player for our national program is now complete, we know she’ll continue to be a major contributor to the continued advancement of not only hockey, but the Olympic movement, across the world.”

Dave Ogrean, Executive Director, USA Hockey

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“For some players it’s safe to say that once the player retires, he or she will be inducted to a Hall of Fame. Angela Ruggiero is one of those players. I can not find a better comparison than the one between Angela and the most superior defenseman of all time on the male side in international hockey – Vyacheslav Fetisov. Having taken part in all four Olympics 1998-2010, with medals in each of them; winning four IIHF Worlds golds; and 13 individual awards, she has not only been the best defenseman in the last 15 years, Angela Ruggiero has defined this era of women’s hockey.”

– René Fasel, President, International Ice Hockey Federation

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“Congratulations to Angela. I know Angela will be a star at anything she does as she takes this next step in her life. She is a leader and a great addition to any team. We wish her lots of luck and success.”

– Donald Trump

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“Angela has been a tremendous ambassador for women’s ice hockey. Her impact on the game has far exceeded her accomplishments on the ice. We want to wish Angela the very best as she takes this next step in her life and thank her for her unrelenting dedication to USA Hockey. She will be missed.”

– Katey Stone, Head Coach, 2011-12 U.S. Women’s National Team & Harvard Univ. Women’s Ice Hockey Team

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“Athletes need to be at the heart of the Olympics to make sure the Games in particular and the movement in general properly cater to their needs. With someone as dedicated and hard working as Angela representing their cause the ‘athletes’ voice’ is in safe hands. We congratulate her on an exceptional career on the playing field and look forward to her continued efforts on behalf of the Olympic Movement.”

– Jacques Rogge, President, International Olympic Committee

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“I remember being on the ice with her for her first shift in a Team USA uniform. I was taking the draw and I looked back and there was Angela with a huge smile, so excited to play. And that never changed throughout her career. She lit up the lockerroom with her infectious laugh and spirit, and on the ice always played with the strength and edge that made her so dominant.”

– Cammi Granato, Ruggiero Teammate

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“Angela is a tremendous ambassador both for sport and for Team USA. While excelling both athletically and academically, she has become an inspiration and a role model for a new generation of female athletes. We salute and congratulate her on an unrivaled career on the ice and look forward to working with her as she continues to expand her role within the worldwide Olympic Movement.”

– Scott Blackmun, Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Olympic Committee

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“Angela has been a terrific role model and is someone that has positively influenced the sport of ice hockey, not only in the United States, but across the world.”

– Bob Nicholson, President, Hockey Canada

Athletic Highlights

• Four-time Olympic medalist in women’s ice hockey
• Inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 1998 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, which won the first gold medal in women’s ice hockey
• All-Time Leader in Games Played for Team USA
• Member of Harvard University women’s ice hockey team that captured 1999 NCAA national championship

Awards

• Earned Directorate Award as Top Defenseman at IIHF Women’s World Championships (2008, 2005, 2004, 2001)
• Directorate Award as Top Defenseman at the Olympic Winter Games (2006, 2002)
• Ranked one of Top 16 Female Athletes in the World by ESPN.com (2004)
• NCAA First Team Academic All-American (2004)
• NCAA Top VIII Award as one of the top eight student-athletes in the entire NCAA (2004)
• Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award (2004)
• NCAA National Strength and Conditioning Association Athlete of the Year (2004)
• Four-time NCAA All-American (2004)
• Ivy League Player of the Year (2004)
• Harvard MVP (2004, 2003, 2001)
• USA Hockey Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year (2004, 2003)
• United States Olympic Committee Hockey Player of the Year (2003)
• Named Best Female Hockey Player in the World by The Hockey News (2003)
• Ranked Top Defenseman in the World by Globe and Mail (2003)
• Wheelchair Charities Inc. Female Athlete of the Year (2009)

The Wall Street Journal

The President couldn’t bring Olympics back to the U.S.; Maybe Angela Ruggiero can.

A 31-year-old Californian once fired by Donald Trump during a reality-television apprenticeship, Ruggiero is one of the best female hockey players ever. As a member of the U.S. Olympic team, she’s medaled in the last four Winter Games. As part of her bid to make it to a fifth Games, she helped Team USA win the 2011 world championship in Switzerland last month, beating arch-rival Canada 3-2 in overtime in the finals.

Ruggiero has built a reputation as an unmovable force on the American blue line. But for the U.S. Olympic movement, her biggest victory could come in the more delicate art of diplomacy in the years ahead. She was chosen last year by her fellow competitors as one of 12 elected members on the International Olympic Committee’s athlete’s commission, a highly influential post rarely occupied by Americans. The eight-year appointment also makers her an IOC member.

It couldn’t have happened at a better time. For years the U.S. Olympic Committee and the IOC have been seething at each other, mainly because of a bitter fight over the billions of dollars the U.S. brings to the Olympics through T.V. rights – NBC paid about $2 billion to air the 2010 and 2012 Games – and sponsorship deals with U.S. companies. The USOC keeps 12.75% of the money paid by American broadcasters, and 20% of sponsorship money. The rest goes to the European-dominated IOC.

The U.S. thinks that’s unfair and wants a bigger share; the IOC sees the U.S. as greedy, and has refused to budge.

The dispute boiled over in October 2009, when Chicago was bidding to host the 2016 Summer Games. Chicago’s bid was resoundingly rejected in the first round of voting. The debacle led to a shake-up at the USOC. In came a new chief executive, Scott Blackmun, who has made mending fences with the IOC a top priority while working to cut a new revenue deal.

A month after Blackmun’s arrival, Ruggiero was elected to the athlete’s commission, and suddenly the USOC had a new resource high within the IOC itself. In a rare break while training for the world championships, Ruggiero said she’s aware of the situation the commission seat imposes on her. “The USOC and the IOC,” she explained, holding her hands in the air three feet apart, “are like this.”

Since then, Ruggiero has traveled the world representing the U.S. She visits Switzerland once a month and has parachuted into Singapore, Dubai and Munich. The jet-setting seems to be paying off. Last September she was named to the IOC committee evaluating sites for the 2018 Winter Games. Several weeks ago, as the athlete’s commission was choosing a location for its quadrennial forum scheduled for this fall, Ruggiero presented the USOC’s pitch for Colorado Springs, Colo., and prevailed.

“Angela is in a position to play a very important role for us,” Blackmun said in a telephone interview. “She is a unique combination of intellect and athletic ability, and she’s going to be operating in a lot of circles in the Olympic family.”

Bringing the athlete’s commission to the USOC’s home in Colorado Springs is also a big win in the world of Olympic politics. The event will be the first major Olympic gathering hosted by the U.S. since the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games, and top IOC officials, including president Jacques Rogge, are expected to attend.

On the ice, Ruggiero is a rugged defender who doesn’t shy away from body contact, even though women’s hockey doesn’t allow checking. “Her role is definitely to be a physical presence and get under our skin,” said Tessa Bonhomme, a member of the Canadian women’s team who’s tangled with Ruggiero for years. “And she’s definitely their most valuable trash-talker.”

Ruggiero doesn’t deny it: “I like to be an intimidator.”

Encouraged by her father in the early ’90s, Ruggiero began playing hockey on boys’ teams in southern California, enduring the checks and barbs that were aimed at “the girl.” Later, she played on select girls’ teams and was offered a scholarship to play at a prep school in Connecticut. At 17 she made the U.S. Olympic team and played in the Nagano Games in 1998. When she returned to school, a gold medal hung from her neck.

Ruggiero then played at Harvard, won a national championship and the women’s hockey equivalent of the Heisman, and left with a degree in government. After the 2006 Olympics, she appeared on “The Apprentice” and lasted 10 episodes before Trump fired her.

The Donald was impressed, though. After the taping, he called her to his office and offered her a real job. This time she rejected Trump. “It was a great opportunity, and would have been a great transition into business,” Ruggiero said. “But I love hockey and wanted to keep playing.” (Trump confirmed the account. Through a spokeswoman, he said Ruggiero “is an incredible athlete and incredible person. She has a great future no matter what she does.”)

Ruggiero said she’s determined to play in a fifth Olympics, but the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, are still three years away and younger, faster players are on the rise.

“Ange is a rock,” said Katey Stone, the U.S. coach. But Sochi, she noted, “is still a long way off. You need 100% commitment at this level.”

Ruggiero’s IOC schedule doesn’t make things easy. “I have a road workout – one-leg squats, core abs, tuck jumps, interval training on the bike,” she said. But that’s not the same as getting on the ice. She did bring her skates on a Switzerland trip in March, but never took them out of her bag.

As for bringing the Games back to the U.S., that’s a ways down the road. Blackmun said the USOC has had “fruitful” in-person meetings with IOC representatives on the matter, but declined to speculate on when an agreement over how to divide television money could be reached. Until one is hammered out, the U.S. won’t make any bids to host. That means the soonest the Games could realistically return to U.S. soil is 2020.

Ruggiero has time, though. She’s got plenty more time in her IOC job and she thinks she’s up to helping her country back to a place of greater influence. “I’m a multi-tasker. I love to have a lot of things going on,” she said. After pause, she added, “I see how important it is if the United States is ever going to host the Olympics again.”