Thank you for inviting me to be part of the Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame. I am honored to be recognized with such an impressive group of peers and to join the ranks with the inductees who have gone before me. I am especially touched to be following in the footsteps of my former captain, Erin Maher Salvador. I smile any time I reminisce about the four special years that I spent in Cambridge. In preparing for this evening, I thought most about my teammates and coaches and about how proud I am to have been part the Harvard Basketball Program. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a group of talented, smart, and fun women who had an unquestioned commitment to our team. We were an eclectic mix of individuals, but came together as a “family.” We supported each other as we balanced the demands of our training with rigorous academic coursework. We laughed hard at each other, and ourselves. The friendships that we created off the court will be with me always. The combination of intense focus and competition with a love of laughter enriched every interaction and has shaped my approach to life.

I am lucky to have been coached by Kathy Delaney-Smith. Kathy’s boundless energy, dedication, and optimism inspired us all. She is at her core a lifelong educator and sought to help each of us reach our full potential. Kathy pushed us to our limits with her rallying call of “act as if.” She challenged and motivated us, while making it fun. Kathy is a tireless advocate for women’s athletics and we have all benefitted from her efforts. I consider Kathy a close friend and mentor and will always be thankful for her support. I cannot thank Kathy without recognizing her husband, Francis. He shared so much of Kathy, and himself, with us. It is because of Kathy and Francis that so many alumnae remain closely connected with the program.

As a former player and current fan, I have enjoyed watching Coach Kathy Delaney-Smith and her staff develop Harvard Women’s Basketball into a league powerhouse and a premium program over the last 15 years.

I cannot reflect upon my time at Harvard without thinking of a few extraordinary people who enriched my experience. George Downing, a beloved campus security officer, adopted me as one of his own. He delighted in shuttling me to/from practice if he happened to pass me on his “rounds.” George stopped into our games to offer hearty cheers of encouragement. A visit with George, sharing stories and laughs, made my day. Artie Clifford in the equipment room ensured that I was “well-dressed” at all times. Those Harvard “grays” were far more of a staple of my college wardrobe than they should have been! Roger Lind was our team photographer. He covered every game, unfailingly, on a volunteer basis. His stunning collages captured special memories of our team, families and friends. We are lucky that Roger shares his time and talent with the program to this day.

Like everyone being inducted this year, I have many people I would like to thank. I would first like to express my love and gratitude to my parents, George and Maureen Butler. I know that without their unfailing support for all of my academic and athletic efforts, my success at Harvard and beyond would not have been possible. They were always my biggest advocates and helped me to keep life in perspective, on and off the court. I would also like to thank my older brother, Todd. He was my role model and #1-fan. Todd excelled playing lacrosse at West Point. Despite the rigors of his college schedule, he found a way to catch a few of my games each year.

I want to thank my teammates. My induction tonight belongs to them. I also appreciate all of the support of my roommates and friends who made the trek across the river for our games and were there to celebrate each victory and commiserate each painful loss.

I want to thank the Athletic Department and the Friends Group for creating such rich athletic opportunities for all of us. Their support is critical to the student-athlete experience.

And finally, I would like to thank my husband, Paul Battaglino. We are blessed with two children, John and Tara, who make us laugh to start and end each day. I am lucky to have Paul’s constant love and support. We are enjoying the adventure of “Team Battaglino.”

Congratulations again to all of the 2010 Varsity Club Hall of Fame inductees. I am honored to be here with you tonight, and I accept this award on behalf of my teammates and my family. Thank you.