Clementine “Tina” Sloan Green has broken several barriers throughout her career, and for that, the NCAA has bestowed her with its highest honor, writes Aaron Carter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Sloan Green is being honored with the Theodore Roosevelt Award for her lifelong commitment to creating opportunities in athletics, national reputation, and outstanding accomplishments.

She was the first Black athlete named to both the national field hockey team and the national lacrosse team.

However, Sloan Green was painfully excluded from the U.S. women’s national hockey team when it traveled to South Africa in the 1970s.

“It made me realize that it was important for me to make sure that all kids have the opportunity to participate in all kinds of sports,” she said.

Sloan Green later became the first Black head coach in collegiate lacrosse history after she was hired at Temple University in 1975. Under her leadership, Temple won three national championships while making 11 consecutive Final Four appearances.

She has been inducted into several halls of fame and also helped prepare the next generation of women athletes.

“Because I know how it is to be a person of color in an environment that’s not specifically designed for you,” she said.

Read more about Tina Sloan Green and why she is worthy of the NCAA’s highest honor at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

_____