The Harvey G. Foster Award - 2011: Ms. Haley Scott DeMaria '95

Published on February 24, 2026

2011: Ms. Haley Scott DeMaria '95

 

Established in 1982 the Harvey G. Foster Award is conferred on an alumnus/alumna (living or deceased), some of whom are athletes or in athletic endeavors, who have distinguished themselves through civic or University activities. 

The 2011 Foster Award winner is Ms. Haley Scott DeMaria '95

With this award, Haley Scott DeMaria ’95 is honored for her distinguished involvement in civic and University initiatives.

As a freshman on Notre Dame’s women’s swim team, DeMaria was paralyzed from the waist down in a bus accident and told she would never walk again. But after months of difficult physical therapy and surgeries, she was able to return to Notre Dame’s swim team and win her first race back.

After graduating from Notre Dame with a degree in history, DeMaria returned to her high school alma mater in Phoenix, Ariz., to teach and coach swimming. Her extraordinary recovery has been recognized with multiple awards, including the inaugural Gene Autry Courage in Sport Award, Women of Distinction, National Institute for Sport Fellow, and the Honda Award for Inspiration.

DeMaria’s book, What Though the Odds — Haley Scott’s Journey of Faith and Triumph, was published in 2008 and chronicles her inspiring life. She has spoken to numerous schools, churches, and civic associations

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