Melanie Garden, mother of Northwestern softball sophomore Avery Garden, received the fourth annual Elaine and Irving Kabiller Dedication Award at the N-Club Induction Ceremony on Friday, June 12, at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston. Northwestern Athletics publicized the honor on Tuesday, July 8.

Head softball coach Kate Drohan presented the award, which recognizes a parent or caregiver who embodies strength, courage, loyalty, and compassion as defined by the late Elaine and Irving Kabiller, parents of Northwestern University Trustee David G. Kabiller.

Avery, a sophomore designated player for the Wildcats this spring, nominated her mother. Nearly 500 Northwestern student-athletes were eligible to submit nominations, which are reviewed by a selection committee.

"My mom is the definition of strength, courage, grace, loyalty, and compassion," Avery wrote in her nomination, according to Northwestern Athletics. "She has shaped not only who I am as an athlete, but who I am as a person. There is no one more deserving of this recognition."

Drohan spoke about the family's bond and resilience, saying the recognition reflects "the love, loyalty, strength, and grace they share as a family and with our softball community." She added that the entire athletic department stands alongside the Garden family "during this courageous battle."

The nature of that battle was not disclosed in the official release.

Melanie Garden said the recognition helped her see the impact she's had on her daughter and expressed gratitude for what Northwestern has given both of them.

The award's roots

David G. Kabiller, co-founder of AQR Capital Management and a former Northwestern tennis player on athletic scholarship, created the award in memory of his parents. Elaine Kabiller died in 2022; Irving Kabiller died in 2012. Funds from the award's endowment go directly to the honoree's sport program, meaning Northwestern softball benefits financially from this year's selection.

The award can be used at the discretion of the head coach, according to the university.