Miami Athletics Announces Date for Seventh Annual Celebration of Women’s Athletics
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami athletic department announced Wednesday that it will host the seventh annual Celebration of Women’s Athletics presented by adidas the week of June 7, culminating with a live online ceremony on Saturday, June 12.
UM Athletics will highlight individual award winners starting on Monday, June 7, with awardees announced daily throughout the week. The online ceremony, which will feature a student-athlete panel, will kick off on Saturday, June 12 at a time to be determined.
“We are excited to be able to continue our Celebration of Women’s Athletics in 2021,” Director of Athletics Blake James said. “It has become one of our signature annual events and despite the current challenges of holding in-person events we still want to recognize, honor and celebrate these incredible female student-athletes. Now more than ever, they need our support.”
With the incredible challenges experienced during the last 13 months, Miami Athletics recognizes the critical need to continue to support the Building Women Champions Campaign during this year’s weeklong celebration. The campaign is designed to develop leaders and prepare women to be successful in life beyond athletic competition. Support of the CWA includes exclusive benefits that strengthen the impact on UM female student-athletes.
“We are thrilled to once again celebrate our student-athletes with the Celebration of Women’s Athletics,” said Jennifer Strawley, Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Operating Officer and Senior Woman Administrator. “We continue to be committed to providing the best possible experience for our student-athletes to help them excel in competition, in the classroom and in life. The support the Miami community has given through the Building Women Champions Campaign has been transformational and that support becomes even more essential during these challenging times.”
The Celebration of Women’s Athletics week will honor current Miami female student-athletes from each of UM’s nine women’s programs for their excellence on the playing field, as well as in the classroom and community. It will also recognize some of the pioneers who have helped pave the way for the continued success of women’s athletics at Miami.
“Receiving this prestigious award in the past has been truly an honor,” said two-time CWA winner and defending NCAA women’s singles champion Estela Perez-Somarriba. “I am blessed to be part of a university that empowers and recognizes female athletes in such a significant way. Being part of this elite group is gratifying and very inspiring. Incredible women, such as my sisters and current coach, Paige Yaroshuk-Tews, have impacted my tennis career and I could not be more thankful for the values they have conveyed to me. I will be always grateful for all of these experiences.”
The CWA was founded in 2015 by University of Miami Board of Trustees members Hilarie Bass, Barbara Havenick and Laurie Silvers. The proceeds from the CWA are used to provide UM female student-athletes with first-class opportunities to compete, study and become the next generation of leaders.
Participation and support for the Celebration of Women’s Athletics starts at $100 per person. All gifts are tax-deductible and include access to the online ceremony on June 12.
To make your gift in support of the CWA, click here. For more information on how to support the CWA, please contact the Hurricane Club at 305-284-6699.
