PROGRAM INFORMATION - UNITED NATIONS / NCAA
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has announced its selections to represent the Association at a United Nations Sport Summit and Mount Holyoke College first year Joy Maran has been chosen. A middle hitter for the volleyball team, she is one of only three NCAA Division III student-athletes selected and one of just nine across all divisions. The event occurs June 6-18 in Florida at the IMG Academy.
Maran, who hails from Santa Fe, N.M., will represent the Lyons at the Summit as the participants will spend two weeks learning to use the universal language of sports to engage and lead their peers in addressing social and economic issues in their communities.
For Maran, the chance to combine her love of the UN and sport was something that she couldn't pass up. "Working for the UN has been my dream since high school, and when I received the email regarding the Summit information, I immediate knew I wanted to be a part of that," explained Maran.
"I'm a proud member of the Model UN and the volleyball team here at Mount Holyoke, and it's because of those resources that I had the opportunity to even hear about this event."
Among the requirements for the nomination process was a series of responses through self-nomination. Maran called upon her varied experiences to appeal to the selection committee on why she was the right candidate to represent the NCAA.
In reflecting on what she hoped to achieve by attending this Summit, Maran wrote "In order to be an inspirational international leader, it would be a dream to learn from the most inspirational international organization: the United Nations. I want to participate in this summit not only for myself but for others as well. Throughout my life, I have developed self-confidence, but I recognize that all leaders must trust in the abilities of others as well. I believe this event will give me an opportunity to share my knowledge with others and grow from their experiences too."
She also wrote of one of her best experiences to date in working with others for Habitat for Humanity saying, "My experience with Habitat for Humanity was an incredible one not only because of the feeling of self-fulfillment when building homes for those who need them but also the amazing people that I got to associate with every day that inspired me to continue working hard for others."
During her first year at Mount Holyoke, Maran made an immediate impact on the volleyball team, playing in 23 games while appearing in 67 matches for the Lyons. She tallied 101 digs for a 1.51 digs per set average with 33 kills, 13 service aces and 10 assists.
