Lloyd-Withrow Endowment for Women's Soccer
Salisbury University women's soccer is getting a leg up for the future thanks to Denise Lloyd-Withrow. Denise, the mother of head coach Kwame Lloyd, is establishing the Lloyd-Withrow Endowment for Women's Soccer. The fund will help provide team needs such as equipment and technology that hopefully leads to increased success on the pitch. While the gift is welcomed by the program and Coach Lloyd, it is accepted with a heavy heart. Denise was recently diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.
"My son Kwame has devoted over 25 years to the development of young women soccer players," added Lloyd-Withrow. "His goal was not only to create talented and skilled players, but to make sure these young women receive the respect and support that all women deserve as they enter the society after graduation. My goal in creating this fund is to help leave a legacy for Coach Lloyd and his contributions to women's soccer at Salisbury University."
Personal Message
"As our young women are trained to function as a team to score goals on the soccer field, let's show them support as they achieve success on the field and in life," said Lloyd-Withrow. "Let's make sure they have the cutting-edge tools for success. Go Sea Gulls!"
"The most inspiring person in my life has always been my mother," said Coach Lloyd. "My mom provided me the best opportunities in my development to be successful, while thriving as an entrepreneur. She has always been an advocate for women in the business world and set no limits on their expectations. She is the main reason I chose a career in coaching women's soccer for 30 years. This endowment will allow her legacy to continue through the women's soccer program and its coaching staff as we strive to sustain a standard of excellence."
Why are donations necessary?
"My hope is that these gifts enable the Sea Gulls to fly even higher," said Lloyd-Withrow. Coming off of a winning season in which the team went 10-7-2, the team is on an upward trajectory.
Coach Lloyd is excited about the possibilities: "The ability to purchase technology to enhance the student-athlete experience is incredible. This technology will allow them become the best version of themselves, while monitoring output and recovery. It also allows us to continue to create a safe, challenging and thriving training environment for our women's soccer program."
Denise hopes her gift will inspire others to give. While gifts to women's soccer are welcomed, the most important thing, she said, is for donors to provide assistance to the causes they support whenever they are in a position to do so.
"There will never be the perfect time to give," said Lloyd-Withrow. "I encourage others to help the causes that matter most to them. Whether that is an organization or something that has deep importance to your family, make sure you show support when you are able."
To her son, it is a bittersweet gesture that impacts more than just his livelihood. "Her gift is great to the program and will certainly help me succeed as a coach, but the fact that she put our family's name on this means so much more. It shows how much this program means to all of us," said Coach Lloyd.