Miami Celebrates WoMen's Athletics to Open Inauguration Week
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami Athletics Department held its second annual Celebration of Women’s Athletics event on Sunday at the BankUnited Center.
The occasion also served as the kick off event for President Julio Frenk’s Inauguration Week Celebration.
“We wanted to make clear that there is a fundamental unity with athletics and academics,” Frenk said. “This event was very special and I was particularly happy that this was the women’s athletics celebration.
“I’m a strong believer that we need to make sure women have the same opportunities as men, so that they can move on to positions of leadership,” Frenk added. “Athletics is a way of cultivating that pathway to leadership. Our student-athletes are a great example of what that pathway to leadership can be.”
Mary Anne Biddiscombe, Stuart A. Miller, Stuart and Linda Price and Mark Squillante served as title sponsors for the event, which recognized 10 Miami student-athletes.
“Today was an opportunity to celebrate greatness with these 10 women,” said Miami Director of Athletics Blake James. “Whether it’s academically, athletically or in life, all 10 of the individuals recognized today have far exceeded what you could have for expectations and I’m just thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments.”
The event opened with a welcome from Miami Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Hilarie Bass. Bass introduced women’s basketball head coach Katie Meier, who addressed the crowd at the sold-out event before the Hurricanes matchup with Florida State.
“I’m continually in awe of what our women’s student-athletes accomplish,” Bass said. “It’s amazing what they are able to accomplish, so we are very proud to be supporting them.”
Miami’s Adrienne Motley (basketball), Daniela Darquea (golf), Sarah Aschebrock (rowing), Catalina Perez (soccer), My Fridell (swimming and diving), Kara McCormack (swimming and diving), Stephanie Wagner (tennis), Tiffany Okieme (track and field), Alexis Wright (track and field) and Kalysta White (volleyball) were all recognized at the event.
“These individuals are going to go out and achieve at the very top of whatever they want to do,” James said. “Family is one of our core values and a family celebrates the accomplishments of its members.”
Wright addressed those in attendance with a speech describing her experience as a student-athlete. The speech drew a standing ovation from those in attendance. Wright, a senior from Tampa, plans on attending medical school following her collegiate career.
Miami Board of Trustee member Tracey Berkowitz concluded the event with her closing address.
