NCAA Gerald R. Ford Award

Anita DeFrantz ’74 has won the prestigious award, which honors leadership

Olympic rower and former International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice President Anita DeFrantz ’74 has won the 2024 NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award, which honors an individual who has provided significant leadership as an advocate for intercollegiate athletics on a continuous basis over the course of their career.

“Anita DeFrantz has been a pioneer for women’s athletics and continues to be an advocate for equal opportunity for all individuals,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said.

Conn’s most decorated athlete, DeFrantz joined the rowing team after a chance encounter with then rowing coach Bart Gulong.

“I knew nothing about rowing, but I loved the opportunity to be out on the water, and the freedom that came with it,” she recalled. 

After graduating from Conn, DeFrantz earned a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She joined Philadelphia’s Vesper Boat Club and continued training, eventually earning the role of captain on the 1976 U.S. Women’s Olympic Rowing team for its inaugural season. At the Games, she won a bronze medal in the 8+ women’s event.

In 1986, DeFrantz became the first American woman and first African American elected to the IOC. She played a key role in increasing Olympic opportunities for women and is credited with getting women’s softball and soccer accepted to the program. In 1997, she became the first woman elected as IOC vice president. She now plays a role on LA 2028, the committee planning for the Olympic Games’ return to the city in four years.