This weekend the University of La Verne athletics, admissions and advancement departments hosted a celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, marking the return of the event since 2019.
LA VERNE, Calif. - - - In celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, the University of La Verne Athletics, Admissions, and Advancement departments invited local high school girls, athletes, and students interested in a future in sports at any level for an engaging, on-campus experience. The event featured four distinguished alumnae who have established successful careers in various areas of athletics.
Communities across the country hosted events to motivate and inspire younger generations of girls and women in sports. ULV invited a group of extraordinary women to speak about their journeys that began as ULV students, and continued into successful careers in professional sports.
The Leopards welcomed home four distinguished alumnae speakers: Michelle DeMott - Los Angeles Football Club, Danielle Garcia - Anaheim Ducks, Lauren Martino - Los Angeles Lakers, and Dr. Angelina Staumont. Staumont led the panelists in an immersive discussion of all things sports, giving exclusive insight to the audience on how these women successfully established themselves in a male-dominated sports industry.
Each panelist shared an individually unique perspective on their careers while highlighting how ULV helped prepare them for success at the highest level. Common themes from the discussion included advice on communication and networking, establishing work-life balance, the importance of representation of women in sports, and appreciating the women who came before and broke barriers for this group to be in the positions they are in today.
Attendees and panelists pose for a photo following the discussion.
The February 11, 2023 celebration marked the return of a NGWSD event to the ULV community for the first time since 2019. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, ULV hosted the Girls Got Game conference in conjunction with the Foothill Citrus Athletic Directors Association.
"Having orchestrated two major NGWSD events in the past, it's fantastic to be able to help bring the event back to campus," said Dr. Angelina Staumont. Dr. Staumont was the key orchestrator of the previous events as the ULV Athletics Game Day Operations Manager. "It's a special feeling to look across that stage and see what ULV has been able to produce, strong women who are inspiring the next generation."
The 2023 event was much more intimate than in years past, featuring a panel constructed solely of ULV alumnae for the first time.
"Watching our alumnae proudly represent ULV while sharing stories of their Athletic experiences was fantastic," said ULV Director of Athletics, Dr. Jenna Panatier. "And what I found truly remarkable was the audience's level of engagement throughout the entire session. Not a cellphone was in sight, as everyone was locked in and involved throughout."
"It was truly inspirational to see four bad ass ULV alumnae on stage talking about their experiences in a predominantly male dominated industry: professional sports," commented Board of Trustee member and ULV alumnae Wendy Lau. "They gave sage, practical advice, encouraged the next generation, and demonstrated what it means to be part of the Leo family."
Lau went on to discuss how the group of alumnae demonstrated exactly what it means to be a Leo for Life: supporting and empowering other Leos as well as the next generation of women leaders, giving back to their communities and their alma mater, and creating a pipeline for excellence amidst a culture of care.
"It was so incredible to see how far this 'Leap' has come and how far they've leaped in both their professional and personal spheres," said Lau. "I can't wait to see what the next event will bring!"
ULV will continue to celebrate its barrier breaking Leopards as the University commits to hosting the event for years to come.
To our Leopards pushing women in sports forward, we can't wait to see you make history.
And to all our Future Leopards, you're up next!
