George Washington University Athletics
GW Women's Hoops Visits White House
8/26/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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Aug. 26, 2015
WASHINGTON -- For the second time in five months, the GW women's basketball team was invited to the most famous address in the world, as the Colonials were in the audience when President Barack Obama recognized the WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday morning at the White House -- just six blocks east of GW's Foggy Bottom campus.
Seven student-athletes and three coaches attended the ceremony in the East Room of the White House as President Obama praised the WNBA champs for their success on the court and their service off it, and the Mercury presented the President with a personalized jersey and autographed basketball.
Though the Mercury won the WNBA title last September, President Obama scheduled the traditional congratulatory visit for Aug. 26 in honor of Women's Equality Day, celebrating the 95th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.
"I was elated to have the privilege of visiting the White House today to recognize the 2014 WNBA champions, the Phoenix Mercury," said junior Shannon Cranshaw. "A special moment for me was watching one of my all-time favorite players, Diana Taurasi, speak on behalf of the Phoenix Mercury organization. Diana, like other women in the WNBA, have inspired me since I was a young girl to work hard and pursue my dreams as a basketball player. It was an honor to celebrate their incredible accomplishment with our nation's leader, President Obama. This experience was such a blessing, and sharing it with my teammates and coaches made it even more special."
The Colonials were also able to tour the White House's East Wing and go in rooms that are normally off-limits to the public.
"Being able to walk the halls of the White House was a once in a lifetime experience and something I will never forget," said senior Jonquel Jones. "Though the media covers numerous events that take place there, nothing will compare to seeing the President walk into the room, hearing the instantaneous halt of various conversations while also absorbing the rich atmosphere of the White House."
In the spring, the GW women's basketball team volunteered at the 137th Annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House.
Hanging out with @POTUS and the @PhoenixMercury at the @WhiteHouse this morning #nbd #RaiseHigh #OnlyatGW pic.twitter.com/JHFPYXVaFh
-- GW Womens Basketball (@GW_WBB) August 26, 2015
