UNCASVILLE, Conn. (July 23, 2018) – The Connecticut Sun will honor ESPN commentator Holly Rowe with the Margo Dydek Award as its 2018 Woman of Inspiration on August 12 when the Chicago Sky visit Mohegan Sun Arena.
“This is incredible to me,” Rowe said. “Margo Dydek was one of the first WNBA players I covered when she was drafted by the Utah Starzz. As their color analyst, I was fortunate to get to know her. She was gentle and kind while working hard and being tough on the court. I will never forget her telling me, she and her sister learned how to sew their own clothes because it was impossible to find something to fit her seven-foot-two frame. She was a lovely woman and I admired her. I have long grieved that we lost her so young.”
Rowe celebrates over 20 years as one of ESPN’s most versatile announcers. Covering a wide variety sports for ESPN, Rowe joined the network full time in August 1998 after appearing on select ESPN telecasts in 1997 and ABC Sports in 1995-96. She is one of the lead reporters on ESPN Saturday Night Prime College Football, Big Monday College Basketball, Women’s Final Four, Women’s College World Series, NCAA Volleyball Indoor and Beach National Championships and the lead WNBA announce team. Additionally Rowe’s feature reporting and storytelling is showcased on many ESPN platforms. Rowe has also provided play-by-play commentary for a variety of sports. Currently in treatment for Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma, Rowe has become tireless advocate for Cancer research and prevention.
In Rowe’s name, a $1,000 donation from the Connecticut Sun Foundation will be made to the AIM at Melanoma Foundation, the largest international melanoma organization focused on research, education, legislation and awareness.
“To be presented with an award with her name fills my heart and I am so honored,” Rowe said. “Also to be associated in ANY category with previous honorees Chris Dailey and Rebecca Lobo means I am doing something right in life. They are two women I look up to, literally and figuratively. I can’t wait to celebrate with the Sun. This team, players, coaches and fans have been so kind and loving to me for many years. I can’t wait to be there and celebrate with such a wonderful organization!!!”
The Margo Dydek Award, named after the former Sun center, is given to an outstanding woman who has distinguished themselves while positively impacting the local community. Previous recipients of the award include UConn women’s basketball associate head coach Chris Dailey, PGA of America Vice President Suzy Whaley, former Connecticut governor M. Jodi Rell and former WNBA star Rebecca Lobo.
Dydek was a former Connecticut Sun All Star who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 37 in 2011. She was an accomplished professional who finished her WNBA career as the career leader in blocks. But Dydek was better known for a warm and open spirit that endeared her to so many women’s basketball fans around the world.
To purchase tickets, visit connecticutsun.com or call 1-877-SUN-TIXX.