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Annenberg and the Foundation present SPORT: IOOSS and LEIFER
Published: Wednesday, February 03, 2010
The Women’s Sports Foundation is pleased to partner with the Annenberg Space for Photography’s “SPORT: IOOSS & LEIFER,” an exhibit featuring the work of Walter Iooss and Neil Leifer, two of the world’s most preeminent sports photographers. Opening to the public on Thursday, November 12, 2009 and running through March 7, 2010, the exhibit showcases the artistry and brilliance of sports photography. Among the concepts explored in the exhibit will be the athlete as a hero and role model in our society, as well as how sports are used to improve the public well-being.
Guests embark on a visual journey of some of the most memorable athletes including Wilma Rudolph, Serena Williams and Michelle Kwan, and most memorable moments in sports history including 
Muhammad Ali’s victory over Sonny Liston and Michael Jordan in full glory. An added digital feature presentation displays photographs, interviews and commentaries from athletes such as six-time Olympic medalist and Women’s Sports Foundation’s International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame member, Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
The Women’s Sports Foundation has worked in conjunction with the Annenberg Space to secure several iconic female athletes for participation in the exhibit and accompanying IRIS Nights Lecture Series. Video from the series will be available for viewing on WomensSportsFoundation.org in the coming months.
IRIS Nights Lecture Series
• December 3, 2009: Photographer Howard Schatz with Aimee Mullins, World Record holder, Paralympian, and Women's Sports Foundation Past President
• February 25, 2010: Filmmaker and Photographer Mikki Willis with Laila Ali, Undefeated World Champion Boxer with a 24-0 record and 21 knock-outs, Women’s Sports Foundation Trustee and President-elect.
• March 4, 2010: Photographer Marla Rutherford with Jessica Mendoza, Two-time Olympic medalist, two-time World Cup gold medalist, two-time Pan American Games gold medalist, and Women’s Sports Foundation President.
Visitor Information:
The Annenberg Space for Photography
2000 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, CA 90067
Tel: 213.403.3000
www.AnnenbergSpaceForPhotography.org
Open Wednesday through Saturday: 11am-6pm.
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
General admission is free.
About The Annenberg Space for Photography
The Annenberg Space for Photography, in Los Angeles, Calif., is an entirely new cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting compelling photography. The Space conveys a range of human experiences and serves as an expression of the philanthropic work of the Annenberg Foundation and its Trustees. The intimate environment features state-of-the-art, high-definition digital technology as well as traditional prints by some of the world’s most renowned and emerging photographers. The exhibits change three times a year, however the common thread throughout is one of rich emotion. The Photography Space informs and inspires the public by connecting photographers, philanthropy and the human experience through powerful imagery and stories. It is the first solely photographic cultural destination in the Los Angeles area.
Williams wins fifth Australian Open title
Published: Monday, February 01, 2010
Serena Williams won her second-straight Grand Slam title Saturday in Melbourne when she defeated Justine Henin, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. Her win marks her fifth Australian Open title and 12th Grand Slam championship overall. She is now tied with Women’s Sports Foundation founder, Billie Jean King.
"Billie, we are tied," Williams said. "So I've reached my goal."
It was not an easy match for Williams, who faced the fresh-out-of-retirement Henin, who was unranked and unseeded but who beat four seeded players en route to the Australian Open final, including No. 5 and Olympic gold medalist Elena Dementieva in the second round.
"It was definitely a tough match mentally and physically," Williams said. "We were both out there to prove something, and I think we did at the end of the day."
Henin saved two break points to hold for 3-3 in a four-game run in the second set, winning 13 of the last 14 points in a dominant finish to the set. She maintained the superiority early in the deciding set, increasing that to 18 of 19 points before Williams held serve to even the third set at 1-1.
Williams, with her right thigh and left knee heavily taped as it had been for much of the tournament broke Henin to go up 2-1. The two then traded breaks, with Williams going up 3-2, a lead she never relinquished.
"I thought I was just giving it to her at that point," Williams said. "I didn't want to go out like that. I literally said to myself, 'I need to man up and start playing better.' "
Williams used an ace on her second serve to hold for a 4-2 lead, then broke again to move within a game of the title.
With her victory Saturday, Serena Williams took an 8-6 lead in career meetings with Justine Henin.
"It's good to have her back, it's exciting," Williams said of Henin. "She can definitely be No. 1, especially with our ranking system, if she keeps doing well."
U.S. Figure Skating names Vancouver Olympic Games roster
Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Amidst the uproar of skating star Sasha Cohen’s return to the ice, two teenagers quietly made their mark on history Saturday night in Spokane, Wash. 17-year-old Rachael Flatt and 16-year-old Mirai Nagasu each skated performances of their young lifetimes, both earning a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic Team’s figure skating roster for the Vancouver Olympic Games. Ashley Wagner finished in third place with 184.70 points. Cohen, who claimed the silver medal at the 2006 Games in Torino, finished out medal contention at fourth, scoring a distant 25 points behind Flatt’s meet-record total of 200.11.
Flatt was consistent throughout her long performance Saturday, hitting seven successful jumps. Nagasu skated nearly-perfectly, but received several point reductions when three of her triple jumps were downgraded to doubles.
"I would like to be both steady and spectacular," said Flatt, when asked how she'd like to compete in Vancouver. "I have been on the cusp of some really great performances, but I have never been completely satisfied. I struggle with holding back in my performances a little."
Flatt and Nagasu are among the United States’ youngest figure skating competitors ever, and will come to the Olympic Games with little international experience. Flatt has skated in one world meet, finishing fifth in March of 2009. Nagasu never has competed at worlds, having been below the minimum age when she won nationals in 2008.
"I said I wasn't thinking about the Olympics, but it was always in the back of my mind," said Nagasu, who lives and trains in Arcadia, Calif. "We don't have a strong Michelle Kwan or Kristi Yamaguchi to lead us on, but even though we're young we have our big dreams to lead us on.”
The teenagers will face formidable favorites Yu-Na Kim of South Korea, and Japan’s Mao Asada and Miki Ando in Vancouver. The women’s Olympic figure skating competition begins with the short program on Tuesday, February 23, at 4.30 p.m. PST
Kelly Kulick makes sports history, wins 45th PBA Tournament of Champions
Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
32-year-old bowler Kelly Kulick made sports history Sunday night in Las Vegas, Nev., when she topped 2007-08 PBA Player of the Year Chris Barnes 265-195 in the championship match of the PBA Tournament of Champions. Her win makes her the first woman to ever claim a PBA Tour title and gives her a two-year Tour exemption in addition to the winner’s prize of $40,000.
“It’s been a dream of mine to win a PBA Tour event but I couldn’t have imagined it would have come in the Tournament of Champions,” said Kulick. “It may have looked easy but my legs were like jelly—it got to a point where I couldn’t feel them. Believe me I was nervous and I was just letting adrenaline take over.”
Kulick began her march to victory by opening with four consecutive strikes in the championship match, followed by an open frame when she left the 7-10 pin split in the fifth frame. Recovering, Kulick fired six strikes, and downed all but one pin in the final frame to claim the Title.
In 2006, Kulick became the first woman to earn an exemption on the PBA Tour by finishing sixth in the PBA Tour Trials. The previous high finish for a woman in a PBA Tour event was second by Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, N.Y., in the 2005 Banquet Open. The impact of her win on the women’s sports community was not lost on Kulick.
“I believe this can only mean bigger and better things for the sport,” she said. “If in any way this can be a boost for women sports and bowling, I’m willing to do my part.”
Final Standings
1, Kelly Kulick, Union, N.J. 492 (two games) $40,000
2, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 195 (one game) $20,000
3, Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich. 478 (two games) $10,000
4, Rhino Page, Dade City, Fla. 215 (one game) $7,000
Foundation President Mendoza signs with USSSA Florida Pride
Published: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Olympic gold and silver medalist and Women’s Sports Foundation President Jessica Mendoza has signed a contract to play for the United States Specialty Sports Association’s (USSSA) Florida Pride, team General Manager Don DeDonatis announced Wednesday.
“We are thrilled to sign another amazing athlete of world-class caliber to the USSSA Florida Pride,” said DeDonatis. “We are committed to putting a top quality team on the field for NPF competition and we are also committed to exposing young softball players across the nation to these extraordinary athletes and people.”
Mendoza is a graduate of Stanford University, where she was a four-time NFCA First Team All American, four-time All Pac 10 First Team member and three-time Stanford Athlete of the Year. Post-college, Mendoza became a member of Team USA in 2001, playing in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, winning gold, and in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, winning silver. She joins a Florida Pride program moving into its second season; in its inaugural season, the Pride went all the way to the Championship game of the NPF’s Championship Series, eventually falling to the Rockford Thunder.
“I am excited to be a part of the NPF family and help the future of girls and women in sports through the success of professional fast pitch softball,” said Mendoza. “I can’t wait to reach and educate thousands more girls and their families about the NPF and the future it holds for them to continue their dreams in the sport of softball.”
Mendoza joins a star-studded roster in Florida along with recent signee and fellow Stanford and Olympic teammate, Lauren Lappin. Other former Olympians include outfielders Kelly Kretschman and Caitlin Lowe, shortstop Natasha Watley, and pitching phenom, Monica Abbott. Additionally, Florida has recently signed NCAA standout, Katie Burkhart, formerly of Arizona State and the NPF’s Philadelphia Force.
Nancy Lieberman to play in NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Nancy Lieberman, women’s basketball legend and current NBA D-League Head Coach, has been selected to play in the NBA’s All-Star Celebrity Game, taking place in Dallas on February 12 at 5:30 p.m. CT. Lieberman will play as part of the “East” team, with teammates such as singer Usher, actor Chris Tucker and retired NBA star Robert Horry, and with head coach Magic Johnson. Those playing for Lieberman’s opponents, the “West” team, will include Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, rapper Common and PGA Tour golfer Anthony Kim. The West team will be coached by Alonzo Mourning and assisted by Queen Latifah. Tickets to the game are on sale now, and available for purchase at www.nba.com/allstar2010.
Sharapova signs record-breaking Nike contract
Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has signed a record-breaking 70-million-dollar contract with Nike, the company announced Friday. Her record-breaking sponsorship agreement with the celebrated athletic goods company will continue over the next eight years and is the largest athletic endorsement for a female in history. The contract tops Venus Williams’ five-year, $45-million deal signed with Reebok in 2000, and includes the launch of a clothing line designed by Sharapova, for which she will get a share of the profits. Since winning Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17, Sharapova has become one of the biggest draws on the WTA Tour and the world’s best-paid female athlete. She has worked with Nike for 11 years, and the 22-year-old will have an opportunity to work in a more hands-on and creative position under her new contract.
The deal extension comes less than a year after Sharapova returned from a right-shoulder injury that sidelined her for nine months and forced her to undergo surgery. She was knocked out in the first round of the 2010 Australian Open, falling to fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-4.
Beach Volleyball gets much-needed NCAA vote
Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Beach Volleyball will stay in the running as a potential NCAA sport, according to a vote held at the NCAA convention, Friday in Atlanta. The vote to remove "sand volleyball" from the list of emerging sports for women -- they're calling it that to avoid scaring away the landlocked schools -- was 166-118 with one abstention; the 58 percent was short of the 62.5 percent necessary to kill the sport.
"This is an amazing day for volleyball and all of women's athletics," said volleyball star Kerri Walsh, who won two NCAA championships playing indoors at Stanford and won two Olympic gold medals on the beach. "NCAA sand volleyball will grow the game and give wonderful opportunities to young women. ... I'm thrilled to know the next generation of volleyball stars will have collegiate sand volleyball."
In the next three months, the NCAA will weigh such particulars as how many scholarships should be offered, how many coaches are needed and how long the season should go.
Forty schools must play the sport before the association sets up a championship. It also has a go-ahead from Division II.
UConn blows out Duke for 57th straight victory
Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The No. 1 UConn Huskies blew out No. 7 Duke Sunday in Durham, topping the Blue Devils 81-47. Maya Moore, UConn forward, hit six three-pointers while Kalana Greene added 18 points for the Huskies, who never trailed, shot 53.6 percent and hit 52 percent of their threes. The Huskies’ win over Duke is their 57th straight, and snaps a 23-home-game winning streak for the Blue Devils.
"Our guard play was great tonight," Huskies coach Geno Auriemma said. "That's how you beat a team that is as athletic and as tough defensively as Duke is. Maya has struggled -- for Maya. [Center Tina Charles] faced a lot of double teams tonight, so they just weren't going to give her any room in the lane.
UConn moves to 18-0 on the season, while Duke falls to 15-3.
Serena Williams rolls through first round of Australian Open
Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Top-ranked Serena Williams rolled through her first match of the 2010 Australian Open, topping 18-year-old Polish player Urszula Radwanska 6-2, 6-1. Williams, who took the match in 73 minutes, played with a heavily-bandaged right thigh, but explained it was more of preventative measure than anything.
Elsewhere at the Aussie Open, No. 8 Jelena Jankovic, No. 11 Marion Bartoli, No. 13 Sam Stosur and No. 19 Nadia Petrova advanced along with No. 26 Aravane Rezai, who lost to Serena Williams in the Sydney International semifinals last week, beat India's Sania Mirza 6-4, 6-2. Melanie Oudin, the 18-year-old American who made a surprising run to last year's U.S. Open quarterfinals, also went out in the first round, beaten 2-6, 7-5, 7-5 by Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia. Oudin has won just one WTA Tour match since the U.S. Open. No. 18 Virginie Razzano lost 6-2, 6-3 to Russia's Ekaterina Makarova and American Vania King ousted No. 23 Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-5. Justine Henin made her comeback to Grand Slam tennis on Monday night with a 6-4, 6-3 win over fellow Belgian Kirsten Flipkens in her first match at a major since she lost to eventual champion Maria Sharapova in the quarterfinals of the 2008 Australian Open.
Troxel becomes first woman to win Bodine Bobsled Challenge
Published: Wednesday, January 13, 2010
On Sunday, January 10, at the Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid, N.Y., Melanie Troxel, a star on the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) drag racing circuit, became the first woman to win the opening competition of the Lucas Oil/Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge.
Troxel topped a field of nine male drivers to capture the victory in the first of two races held in the event, a fundraiser for the United States bobsled team.
"Three hundred thirty-two miles per hour, that's how fast I've been clocked in a drag race," Troxel said. "But bobsledding is a whole different beast. After three days on this track, I'm pretty beat up. I'm all black and blue."
In the Sunday morning event, 10 NASCAR and NHRA drivers went head to head in a two-heat race competition that began from the third start ramp on the track, which made the race about two-thirds of a mile. Troxel, who had been invited by Geoff Bodine to the event years ago, was finally able to come to Lake Placid and test her skills against the likes of previous winners including NASCAR's Boris Said and Todd Bodine. Troxel stood in fourth place after putting down a first-heat run of 44.69 seconds and sealed the win with the fastest trip down the track in the second heat, a 49.66 result. That gave her a winning total of 1:39.33, which was just seven hundredths of a second ahead of runner-up Jeg Coughlin Jr., who took third in the race a year ago.
O’Hara wins NCAA’s top soccer honor
Published: Monday, January 11, 2010
Stanford standout Kelley O’Hara has won the Hermann Trophy, NCAA soccer’s highest honor. O’Hara set a school record with 26 goals scored during the 2009 season while leading the Cardinal to the NCAA championship. She was also recently selected to the U.S. national team’s training camp as they prepare for the Algarve Cup tournament. O'Hara finished ahead of North Carolina's Tobin Heath and UCLA's Lauren Cheney in voting by Division I soccer coaches and members of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Jacobellis wins snowboardcross World Cup
Published: Monday, January 11, 2010
American Lindsey Jacobellis won her first snowboardcross race of the 2009-2010 season Sunday in Bad Gastein, Austria, beating Helene Olafsen of Norway for her 20th career win. The silver medalist at the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, her win Sunday should guarantee a trip to Vancouver.
"I'm stoked. I definitely needed that. I've been in kind of a little slump lately, and this felt great," Jacobellis said. "It takes off a lot of the pressure that this has happened. It supports my confidence and helps me go into the next one."
ASA announces 2010 USA Softball roster
Published: Monday, January 11, 2010
The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced Monday the 17 athletes that were offered a USA Softball Athlete Agreement for the 2010 season. The final roster for the 2010 USA Softball Women’s National Team will be announced in March with the team competing in the ISF Women’s World Championships, June 23-July 2, 2010, in Caracas, Venezuela as well as other events. Some of the athletes offered a USA Softball athlete agreement for 2010 include Monica Abbott, Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza and Cat Osterman.
Vonn captures third straight World Cup race
Published: Monday, January 11, 2010
American alpine skier Lindsey Vonn captured her third straight World Cup race Sunday in Haus em Ennstal, Austria, in the super-G event, becoming the first American to win three straight days at a World Cup and the first woman to do so since 1997. Clocking a time of 1:26.69, Vonn narrowly topped Swede Anja Paerson, who finished .53 seconds behind. Vonn won downhill races on both Friday and Saturday.
“There was definitely a little bit more pressure today because everybody was wanting me to do the three in a row,” she said.
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