Eight individuals were honored for their outstanding contributions to women in sports and education at the 2012 Delaware Diamond Extravaganza on Feb. 3 at the Dover Sheraton.

The eight honorees are Delawareans or individuals with ties to the First State and must have been nominated for the honors. See the below photo slideshow for pictures of the honorees and other attendees, followed by more text information on the event.

The 2012 Delaware Diamond Extravaganza honorees are as follows:

• Robert Hastings - Seaford High School tennis coach with 27 years of service and 190 wins.
• Mary Ann Hitchens - Retired University of Delaware Administrator with over 40 years of service as a student, coach and nationally recognized administrator at UD.
• Maxine Lewis - Delaware State University Hall of Famer, First Sports Information Director at DSU, pioneer and role model for media relations professionals.
• Dr. Josette McCullough - Supervisor of Special Education, Appoquinimink School District, Kent County Administrator of the Year; three-sport athlete while at DSU; holds three degrees from DSU.
• Chris Morgan - former Goldey-Beacom College Director of Athletics; school ranked third nationally in Division II for gender equity compliance; recognized in 2008 by the NCAA for overall excellence in diversity; current Kean University Athletic Director.
• Mable Morrison - Delaware State University Grand Marshall; 49 years as a music faculty member at DSU.
• George Pepper - Cape Henlopen High School girls track head coach since 1979; longest serving head girls track coach in the state of Delaware; holds five state titles.
• John Travis - Created a scholarship foundation for female softball players in the memory of his daughter McKenzie Travis.

"There are numerous individuals in Delaware who have played significant roles in providing opportunities to women in athletics," commented Candy Young, DSU Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator.  "It's important that we express our gratitude to these leaders and their inspiration to young women in leadership roles."

The program began in 2009 as a way to recognize, celebrate and honor individuals in the state of Delaware that have helped women's athletics grow and excel in addition to creating additional scholarship and financial support to aid female athletics programs.  The DDE identifies coaches, administrators, athletes and contributors who meet the following criteria: