n the evening of October 21st, over a thousand people went to the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City. They came to attend the Womens Sports Foundation‘s annual salute to women in sports awards dinner. Over 80 female athletes were in attendance as the foundation honored women who have made tremendous strides in sports, both on the field and off.

The Sharks were well represented at the dinner with owner Andra Douglas, general manager Crystal Turpin, right guard Anna “Tonka” Tate, and friends of the team in the audience.

The big award that New York Sharks fans were interested in was the naming of the Sportswoman of the Year for a team sport. Our very own quarterback Val Halesworth was nominated along with Sue Bird, Misty May and Kerri Walsh, Anna Mickelson, Tiffeny Milbrett, Stacey Nuveman, Brenda Villa, and Hayley Wickenheiser. Bird was named the winner for her strong basketball play for the University of Connecticut Huskies and the Seattle Storm of the WNBA.

From left to right: Alison Jenkins, Michelle Nieves, Andra Douglas, Christine Douglas (Andra’s mom), Crystal Turpin, Anna Tate, and Henry Douglas (Andra’s dad)