The Meredith College lacrosse program hosts its annual Faculty & Staff Appreciation Game today as the Avenging Angels take on Bridgewater College. Opening draw is set for 4:00 p.m., with starting lineups and special recognitions beginning at 3:50 p.m.

Meredith has worked tirelessly throughout the season to compete at a high level while continuing to emphasize the vital connection between academic and athletic success. The team recognizes that its accomplishments on the field are strengthened by the unwavering support of the College's faculty, staff, and administration.

Today's game provides an opportunity for the program to formally thank those who play an integral role in shaping the student-athlete experience. Each member of the lacrosse team has selected one Meredith community member who has been especially impactful in her collegiate journey, and those honorees will be recognized alongside the players during pregame starting lineup introductions.

While select individuals will be highlighted on the field, the celebration is intended to honor all faculty and staff who contribute daily to the growth, well-being, and success of Meredith's student-athletes. Faculty and staff in attendance will receive pom-poms and appreciation pins, and special acknowledgments of selected honorees will be shared throughout the contest.

Read more about our highlighted faculty and staff honorees here:

"Junior Midfielder Madison Dean has chosen to honor Professor Vilma Concha. She has learned so much from Professor Vilma and she is grateful for the support she continues to receive even though she is no longer Professor Vilma's student. Professor Vilma goes above and beyond for her students."
 
"Sophomore Attacker Gabrielle Romano is honoring Dr. Maria Pickering, who she's had for Anatomy and Physiology. Gabby appreciates how caring and supportive Dr. Pickering is and looks forward to her classes every day. 
 
"Freshman Paige Mathews has chosen to honor Professor Fanella Tague as she is someone who supports, guides and believes in Paige and all of her students every day. Paige says the patience and drive Professor Tague has is inspiring! Paige is grateful to have someone that supports her the way Professor Tague does."
 
"Sophomore Ariana Rundgren is dedicating today's game to Dr. Nitasha Clark. Dr. Clark was her professor last semester for the 1st education class she took at Meredith. Ari appreciates Dr. Clark's supportiveness throughout the year as she constantly reminds her of the importance in becoming a teacher." 
 
"Freshman Bevyn Nunnally is celebrating Professor Malley from Exercise Sports Science. Professor Malley has been one of Bevyn's main support systems at Meredith and made an impact on her decision to become an ESS major. Bevyn is grateful for how caring and understanding Professor Malley is in and out of the classroom and she says that Malley inspires her every day."
 
"Freshman Madelynn Maday is dedicating today's game to Dr. Angela Robbins. Dr. Robbins inspires Madelynn with her passion and enthusiasm for her students and her ability to make every topic interesting."
 
"Freshman Delaney Posehn is celebrating Dr. Kelly Roberts who was her professor for her 1st honors class at Meredith. Delaney is grateful for the support Dr. Roberts gave throughout her class and with her encouragement, inspired Delaney to add English as a minor"
 
"Junior Katherine Couch is honoring Professor Kristen Watkins for today's game. Watkins played an important role for her during her time at Meredith as Kat's computer science professor and academic advisor. Kat is grateful for her support and guidance since it has been very helpful while navigating her Engineering major "
 
"Sophomore Anna Bergamini is dedicating today's game to Dr. Stephanie Little from the ESS department. Dr. Little has supported her from the very beginning of her transfer process. Dr. Little introduced her to new career paths and shared her passion in a way that truly inspired Anna. Anna is incredibly grateful for Dr. Little's guidance and the lasting impact she has had on her journey here at Meredith."
 
"Senior Reese Walker is celebrating Professor Hannah Sweeney for today's game. Sweeney is her child development professor and she also worked at Duke Hospital while Reese was a patient there. Sweeny has always made Reese feel capable and confident in her abilities and always meets Reese with kindness, patience and understanding."
 
"Freshman Lily Westbrook is dedicating today's game to Professor Tague because she is passionate about teaching and is the reason Lily looks forward to Spanish. Lily is grateful for all that Professor Tague has done for her during her time at Meredith." 
 
"Sophomore Reagan Amiott has chosen to honor Dr. Phillip Andreae today. Professor Andreae has shown huge dedication to Reagan far beyond the classroom. Reagan says Dr. Andreae always sees her as a human and does everything in his power to help her succeed in calculus." 
 
"Junior Kenzie Todd is dedicating today's game to Dr. Candolyn Rade who she's had the chance to learn from the past two semesters. Dr. Rade has shown a tremendous amount of support and always makes Kenzie feel confident in what she is learning and truly wants to see her students succeed." 
 
"Junior Bailey Swails is celebrating Dr. Jeff Langenderfer. Dr. Langenderfer has helped Bailey as an advisor and Bailey has learned so much from his classes. Dr. Langenderfer cares about his students' success and it shows through his passion for teaching. Bailey is grateful for everything Dr. Langenderfer has done for her throughout her time at Meredith." 
 
"Sophomore Logan Campbell is dedicating today's game to Dr. Bill Schmidt from Mathematics. Dr. Schmidt  has always encouraged Logan to expand on her curiosity of all aspects of the world. He has always helped support her while encouraging Logan to try new things. Logan loves how he is always ready to talk about planes." 
 
"Freshman Gia Purcell is also honoring Dr. Jeff Langenderfer for today's game. Everytime she has his class she is excited to walk in and learn. Dr. Langenderfer makes class engaging while also teaching life lessons that would not only benefit Gia in her major but personal growth and development as an adult." 
 
"The Lacrosse Coaching staff has chosen to honor Senior Assistant Director of Admissions and Athletic Liaison, Kat Fourie.  Kat has been essential to the recruiting process of future MC Lax Angels. Kat meets every recruit with a smile, extending the true community that prospects can expect within Meredith College. "

Meredith faculty and staff, thank you for ALL you do for our student-athletes! We appreciate you!