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Oakland's Beckie Francis earns USBWA Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award

Oakland head women’s basketball coach Beckie Francis is taking a stand in the fight against childhood sexual abuse. As a victim during the formative years of her life, Francis knows all too well how deafening the silence can be and is no longer holding on to her secret.

After speaking publicly about her story for the first time last year, Francis began taking action as a leader and advocate for the protection of America’s youth. A prominent figure within intercollegiate athletics, Francis shared her story with the Michigan legislature in order to help pass Erin’s Law, a bill requiring schools to teach students how to speak up and tell a trusted adult if they are being sexually abused.

Francis recently received the 2013 USBWA Pat Summitt Most Courageous award and is being honored for her dedication to fighting childhood sexual abuse at the Women’s Final Four in New Orleans.

Click here for the full press release.