Feb. 18, 2009

This feature is one of many that can be read on the Patriot League website throughout the month of February - a month the Patriot League designates to promote and highlight women in sports. The following story appeared in the Patriot League's Women in Sports magazine.

Visit the Patriot League's Celebrating Women in Sports webpage by clicking here. This page was launched last year and has been updated with some new items for 2009. The Celebrating Women in Sports webpage includes eight different links that will allow the user to read about the many accomplishments of the women in the Patriot League, while also serving to promote girls and women in sport. Highlights of this webpage are the Patriot League Celebrating Women in Sports magazine and photo gallery.

Carrying On The Family Tradition

When her surroundings changed, Joyce Novacek could always count on two things--sports and her twin sister, Becky.

Like a family heirloom, sports are passed down from generation to generation in the Novacek family. Novacek's grandfather, Pat, was a former high school coach in Nebraska. Her father, Jim, was a college football player and an All-American pole vaulter. Two of her uncles were also college football and track standouts. One of her uncles, Jay, won three Super Bowl titles and was named to the Pro Bowl three times.

So when her family moved from Iowa to Pennsylvania when she was seven years old, it came as no surprise that Joyce Novacek gravitated toward sports.

"My dad's definitely been there sports-wise since I was young, trying to help me work toward this level," Novacek said. "Whether it was lifting weights or running, he's always been there. Sports were always a big deal for my dad and his family," Novacek said. "He has sort of passed that on to us."

Her passion for sports and her new location left Novacek in an unlikely situation at a young age: she was rooting for the opponent. At the time of her family's move to western Pennsylvania, her uncle, Jay, was preparing for Super Bowl XXX against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"That was a little odd," Novacek said. "We were all obviously rooting for the Cowboys, but we were definitely in the minority."

Even with the pedigree of her family, it was always her lifelong teammate who constantly pushed Novacek.

"Without a doubt, my greatest inspiration is my sister," Novacek said. "We were teammates every year growing up. We pushed each other and were there for each other. She is an amazing athlete and an amazing person."

Both Joyce and Becky found success at an early age in basketball, volleyball and track. Each eventually garnered the attention of college recruiters. Those recruiters brought Joyce to Bucknell to play basketball and Becky to Dayton for volleyball.

"That was a new challenge," Joyce said. "I had never played without Becky. But this is the place for me."