Since 1990 the Women’s Sports Foundation has been awarding the Dorothy Harris Endowed Scholarship nationally to women showing the same dedication to girl’s and women’s participation in sport as Dr. Harris did.
By Cassandra Aman
Kristina Meissen’s educational career shows a strong commitment to improving the lives of girls and women through sport. Meissen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science. As a female collegiate athlete Meissen competed in women’s rowing and track and field. She was an active member on the student-athlete committee at UW. Before entering into graduate school Meissen spent a semester working as the strength and conditioning coach for UW’s Women’s volleyball team while also interning in student-athlete academic services.
Meissen is currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where her goal is to study sports administration with the intention of someday becoming a director of student-athlete development at the collegiate level. Meissen spoke on the impact the support of the Dorothy Harris scholarship has had on her ambition, “It’s encouraging to have the opportunity to continue to study in a field dominated by males. Talking to past generations, I feel fortunate to have the opportunities I do and the support of an organization like the Women’s Sports Foundation.”
Meissen’s plan encompasses the same virtue Dr. Harris sought in her career. Dr. Harris spent her lifetime fighting for girls and women to have the same opportunity in sports as males. While the playing ground has become more even, women still face challenges in the sport industry. Meissen understands the importance sport plays in creating female leaders, “My advice is to be persistent. Keep motivated despite any setbacks or obstacles you may face.” Meissen knows a thing or two about persistence not only did she recently participate in a triathlon, she teaches triathlon training along with weight lifting, swimming, and jogging.
Meissen credits her success in part to her mentor, undergraduate professor Chia-Chen Yu, director of sport management at UW– La Crosse; “She encouraged me to apply for the Dorothy Harris scholarship as well as the program I am in at UNC. She encouraged me to be where I am.” Meissen hopes one day to be just as supportive a mentor.