Today my family is heading into Washington (”DC” if you live on the west coast) to watch Notre Dame’s Women’s Lacrosse team play in the championship game of the Big East Tournament.

Why do I mention this? For a number of reasons. First of all, we are going as a family. It has become part of our family culture to attend sporting events. It is something we like to do together and it is an enjoyable activity that allows us to spend time together, to create memories, and to teach lessons of fair play, kindness and being a good sport. And as the mother of two boys (ages 5 and 7) those teachable moments are welcomed!

It is also a way for my children to understand and appreciate women’s athletics and women as capable athletes. I grew up feeling as though my athletic talent was valued, and I want my children to view women as strong and capable as well. My sons see no difference between a women’s lacrosse Big East championship game and the Final Four. In fact, my oldest said, “Hey, they (ND women’s LAX) made it to the final four of the Big East tournament!” Yes, they did.

We are also attending today’s game as a connection between our past and our present. I say “our” because my husband went to Notre Dame too (if you didn’t know that already). And while Notre Dame is the foundation of our past, it also permeates our present.

For the past three years I have served on the Board of Directors of the Monogram Club at Notre Dame. Our tagline used to read: Bridging the Gap Between Legend and Legacy. We now proclaim the Club to be (and serve): Athletes of Notre Dame. Last week when I attended our spring board meeting for the Monogram Club, I felt proud of what we had accomplished during my tenure as a director on the board, both for our current student-athletes and our former athletes.

I was also thrilled to be asked to stay on in a leadership position as 2nd Vice President of the Club, beginning a rotation that will carry me through to the presidency. What an honor to be able to serve the Club - and our athletes - in this capacity. Current student-athletes like the ones playing for the Big East championship today in Washington. And former athletes like the players who returned to campus last weekend for a football reunion, a lacrosse reunion, and the 60th anniversary of Black Athletes at Notre Dame celebration. It is all part of contributing to, and connecting with, an important community in our lives.

I hope to continue along the theme of not only bridging the gap between legend and legacy, but as a Club, being the bridge that closes the gap. It is important to our family.