LEXINGTON, Va. — The Washington and Lee University Athletics Hall of Fame Committee unveiled the Cinda Rankin Trailblazer Award on Sept. 26 as W&L celebrated four decades of women's athletics during the 38th annual Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony. The new award, named in honor of one of the university's most influential pioneers, recognizes extraordinary individuals who have paved the way for others and made lasting contributions to W&L athletics and beyond.
The inaugural recipients of the Cinda Rankin Trailblazer Award recognized at the ceremony were:
- Alston Parker Watt '89 — A three-sport athlete who competed in golf, swimming & diving and lacrosse. Watt provided critical student-led leadership at a time when W&L was working to meet NCAA sport sponsorship requirements.
- Martha Cornbrooks '01 — A founding student-athlete for the field hockey program, Cornbrooks helped establish a sport that continues to thrive at W&L.
- Courtney Smith Edman '93 — One of the first members of the women's basketball team, Edman's initiative and determination laid the foundation for the program's long-term success.
- Barry Machado, professor of history emeritus — A tireless advocate for women's athletics, Machado was instrumental in the development of women's basketball and served as the team's first head coach during its early years as a club sport.
Rankin, who was inducted into the W&L Hall of Fame in 2017, became the university's first full-time female athletics staff member in 1985. She coordinated the university's first women's athletic programs following coeducation in the fall of 1985, served as head women's tennis coach for 19 seasons and guided the Generals to 383 wins, 17 Old Dominion Athletic Conference titles, 15 NCAA tournament appearances and the school's first women's national championship in 2007. Her players earned more than 50 All-America honors, two NCAA singles titles, one doubles title and multiple national academic and sportsmanship awards.
"Cinda Rankin's vision, determination and tireless efforts created opportunities that transformed the landscape of women's athletics at Washington and Lee," said Jan Hathorn, Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics. "Naming this award in her honor ensures her legacy will continue to inspire generations of Generals."
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
