The Southern Conference is celebrating its 25th anniversary of women’s championships this season and will host a special celebration of women’s athletics at the league’s basketball tournament this week in Charleston, S.C.

The Southern Conference first started sponsoring women’s sports during the 1983-84 season when it offered championship events in basketball, volleyball and tennis. In the subsequent decades six more sports have come into the fold, including soccer, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, golf and softball.

“The Southern Conference is excited to celebrate this notable milestone,” said Commissioner John Iamarino. “Thousands of female student-athletes have competed in the (conference) and we take great pride in recognizing the accomplishments of so many who have helped the league to become what it is today.”

During its yearlong celebration, the league is highlighting 25th anniversary teams for each sport with members chosen from current and former league members.

25th Anniversary Team members will be featured throughout the year on the league’s Web site, and all honorees have been invited to attend an awards brunch on March 9 in Charleston, S.C. in conjunction with the conference basketball championships. Also being honored are the “25 of Distinction”, a group of influential administrators, coaches and student-athletes who have contributed to the growth of women’s athletics in the Southern Conference.

Among the honorees are two-time Olympic bronze medalist Melissa Morrison from Appalachian State and LPGA Hall-of-Fame golfers Betsy King and Beth Daniel, both of Furman.

For more information about the Southern Conference’s celebration of 25 years of women’s championships, click here.