Danvers Native Meghan Duggan Up For Sportswoman Of The Year

The Duggan family of Danvers has had a whirlwind past five years. Meghan Duggan, the youngest of the Duggan clan, has steadily ascended to the top of the U.S. Women’s Hockey world. This academic all-star began making her mark at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA on full scholarship, where she was a standout forward named Top Female Athlete for three years running.  

But with her acceptance to The University of Wisconsin, her star didn’t just rise-it exploded.

In her freshman year alone, Duggan was the second leading goal scorer with 52 points to her credit, which put her at third in the nation in the NCAA. The 5-foot-9, 23-year-old Olympian, senior captain and forward for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, went on to become the team's all-time leading goal scorer, and the only player in Wisconsin history to score 100 goals and 100 assists.  

Duggan represented the U.S. in three Women’s World Championships, bringing home two gold medals and one silver. In 2010 she represented the U.S. at the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, bringing home a silver medal, and a heroes welcome in her own hometown of Danvers.  

In 2011, Duggan was named co-MVP, of the Frozen Four and was awarded the 2011 Patty Kazmaier Trophy; she was named The Bob Allen Women's Player of The Year, by USA Hockey, named a First-Team All-American in 2011, and received the Jeff Sauer Most Dedicated Player Award in June.  

As if all of this wasn’t enough, there is one title that Duggan is still hoping for: Sportswoman Of The Year, by the Women’s Sports Foundation. Meghan Duggan is a finalist in the “Athlete in a Team Sport” category for performing with excellence over a 12 month span.  

Sister Katelyn Duggan feels there is nobody more deserving of the honor than her kid sister. “Meghan has incredible drive and an amazing love for her team and the whole teams success," she said.  "But she also cares so much about the kid’s who look up to her. For instance, when she came home after the Olympics, the first thing she did was make time for the elementary school so she could talk to the kids about the importance of grades and team unity, and being there for each other.”

Danvers residents and Duggan Supporters will be given a voice in choosing their favorite athlete during the annual Women In Sports Foundation’s recognition of excellence event: the 2011 Annual Salute to Women in Sports.  The non-profit organization has dedicated itself to the advancement of women and girls in sports since it’s founding in 1974 by Billie Jean King.

To cast your vote go to the Facebook page for the Women In Sports Foundation, and click “Like” at the top of the page.  Then, click on the “photos” category on the left, and then open the “Team Sports” album-then click “Like” on Duggan’s photo (you can’t miss her, she’s the one with the hockey stick!)

Voting ends on September 5 at midnight.