Women’s Golf Travels to White House College Champions Day
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Carnegie Mellon University women's golf team took part in the second annual White House College Champions Day celebration in the nation's capital on Monday.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden extended invitations to NCAA teams from all three divisions that won National Championships during the 2023-24 academic year. The College Athlete Day recognition took place on the South Lawn at the White House with over 1,000 student athletes across three NCAA divisions in attendance. Prior to the recognition the student-athletes were invited to a White House Open House Tour.
Vice President Kamala Harris, NCAA senior vice president of championships Lynda Tealer and Florida State University women's soccer player Jordynn Dudley addressed the championship teams.
The University Athletic Association (UAA) was well represented at the event, which included Carnegie Mellon women's golf, Emory University men's swimming & diving, New York University women's basketball, University of Chicago men's and women's tennis and Washington University in St. Louis women's outdoor track and field.
Video of the event is available online.
The Tartans had seven members of the team present along with Head Coach Dan Rodgers and Assistant Coach Jason Li. Below are thoughts that were sent from members of the team and staff that were in Washington on Monday.
Thoughts from Assistant Coach Jason Li
"The White House visit was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Getting to walk through the White House and learn about the place was truly special. Really capped off a great season with a memorable celebration."
Thoughts from freshman Nikita Jadhav
"I feel incredibly grateful to have been invited to the White House by the President. The tour of the grounds and Vice President Harris's speech were both unforgettable experiences that will stay with me forever. It was deeply meaningful to see our hard work as a team acknowledged and to be among such talented student athletes. This experience was the perfect end to an amazing first year with the best team and coaching staff I could ask for."
Thoughts from junior Sriya Mupparaju
"It was incredible to be surrounded by so much of the nation's history. I enjoyed seeing the presidential portraits and unique parts of the house in person. It was also great to be surrounded by the future of athletics. It was a real honor to be invited to the same event as current team USA athletes and Olympians. The Vice President's speech was inspiring and heartfelt. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that I will always be grateful for."
Thoughts from graduate student Alexis Sudjianto
"Stepping into the White House, surrounded by history, was a moment I'll never forget. To be recognized by and stand alongside one of our nation's most prominent leaders feels both surreal and rewarding. Being able to attend this event with my teammates and see the effort we put in all season be recognized was an extremely special experience and was definitely the icing on the cake of our National Champion title!"