October 30, 2009

FARMVILLE, Va. -- Longwood University plays host to NJIT and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) in a women's soccer match this Sunday, November 1, beginning at 3 p.m. to honor those men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have been severely injured during conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. The contest, specifically honoring the late Andrew H. McConnell, will take place at the Athletics Complex in Farmville. It's Senior Day as well on Sunday afternoon and admission is free.

“The sole purpose of this event is to honor Andrew McConnell's principles, actions, and wishes for the future,” said Longwood associate head coach Steve Brdarski. “While his passion for and commitment to service led to his ultimate sacrifice, it is this same ambition that brings us here to support a cause so dear to Andrew and his family. We wish for you all to join our support of the Wounded Warrior program and thank you attending.”

Andrew H. McConnell, a sergeant in the United States Army, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Washington, was killed September 14, 2009 when enemy forces attacked a vehicle with an improvised explosive device in southern Afghanistan. Two of his younger sisters, senior Ashlee and sophomore Alecia, are members of the Longwood women's soccer team.

This year Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization whose motto is “The Greatest Casualty is Being Forgotten,” partnered with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), to raise awareness in the collegiate community. The Wounded Warriors will be honored by Public Service Announcements that will be played throughout the game.

“While stationed overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, our nation's military personnel participated in sports during their downtime and even after severe injury, wounded service members continue to use athletic endeavors as a tool in their rehabilitation,” said Steven Nardizzi, Executive Director of WWP. “I am confident this relationship will be rewarding and lasting for the Wounded Warrior Project.”

NACDA, now in its 41st year, is the professional and educational association for more that 6,100 collegiate athletics administrators at more than 1,600 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More that 2,000 athletics administrators annually attend the NACDA Convention. Additionally, NACDA administers nine professional associations for the separate business units that report directly to the athletics director. For more information, visit www.nacda.com.

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a non-profit organization aimed at assisting those men and women of the United States armed forces who have been severely injured during the war on terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world. Beginning at the bedside of the severely wounded WWP provides programs and services designated to ease the burdens of these heroes and their families, aid in the recovery process and smooth the transition back to civilian life. For more information, please call (540) 342-0032 or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.