Women's Athletic Coalition Recognizes Connie Parsley

As the 40^th anniversary of Title IX’s passing draws close, the Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership is celebrating the unique impact of sports on teenagers and young women. The coalition recognized 21 outstanding leaders in promoting women and girls in athletics, including two longtime coaches from the state’s only all-girls school, Visitation School in Mendota Heights, at a Feb. 1 awards ceremony at the Minnesota State Capital Rotunda. Both Visitation coaches were honored with the “Breaking Barriers” award.

Connie Parsley Honored

One of the honorees, Connie Parsley, has been teaching science and coaching golf at Visitation for nearly 25 years. “I have loved every minute,” she says. Parsley has witnessed incredible progress since her days as a Visitation student. She was a freshman in 1974 – two years after Title IX passed – when a group of parents persuaded the Catholic school’s administration to begin an organized competitive sports program, which launched that fall. Back then, Parsley recalls, the offerings were limited to volleyball, swimming, tennis and flag football.

“Sports bring a whole different skill set to young women – working together, sharing in the ups and downs,” Parsley said. “My teams have always shown pride, great sportsmanship, camaraderie, and most of all, a great spirit. We are graceful in defeat and jubilant in victory. I hope I have played a role in helping these fine athletes cross their bridges from sports to life, as those who have taught me have.”

Parsley’s current and former students praise her dedication. Erin Grimes, who graduated in 2008, said she admires the way her beloved coach made an individualistic sport communal. “Mrs. Parsley would lead the golfers in cleaning a section of Dodd Road as a way to get to know the incoming teammates and serve the community where we golfed,” Grimes said. “Her dedication and love of her students and golfers is unmatched by any teacher or coach I have seen.”

Cristin Jensen, who graduated from Visitation a decade before Grimes, echoes that praise. “She is the kind of coach you can laugh with, cry with, trust and love,” she said. “She pushed team members to play their personal best, stay focused and work heart. Because of her encouragement and support, we sought to make her proud after each and every match.”  

Rene Gavic Honored

The Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership also honored Rene Gavic with a “Breaking Barriers” award. Gavic has served as dean of students and coach of cross country and track during her career at Visitation which began in 1987. During her tenure, she has been named section coach of the year four times (2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006), and 10 of her runners have been named all-state athletes.

“While her technical coaching ability is widely acclaimed and has resulted in numerous accolades, it is Rene’s ability to form st­rong and lasting relationships with and among her female athletes that is truly amazing,” said Renee Genereux, director of Upper School.

Athletic Director Mike Brill echoes those sentiments, “Rene not only provides these young women with superb training in life-long health, she empowers their gifts for leadership which is a hallmark of Visitation’s athletic program.

As the state honors those who have broken barriers for young female athletes with its “National Girls & Women in Sports” day, now is a perfect time to learn more about Visitation’s flourishing sports program, which has never been more successful. National Girls and Women in Sports Day is celebrated in all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies, and activities to honor the achievements and encourage participation of girls and women in sports. The day was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor female athletic achievement and recognize the importance of sports and fitness participation for all girls and women. The first national celebration was in held 1987, when Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman was honored posthumously for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equity for women’s sports.

Source: Convent of the Visitation