ESPNW Holds Campus Conversation for 400 Cardinal Women Athletes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- More than 400 female Cardinal student-athletes attended ESPNW's Campus Conversations held in the Ball/Multipurpose Room in the Student Activities Center.

"The University of Louisville fosters a unique environment to host this event. We promote and support women's sports and develop women leaders. There is a need for more women in leadership positions. These panelists know how to attack the opportunities and that is why we have put them in front of our athletes. We'd like to thank ESPN, who has been a proponent in the success of women's sports in launching the ACC Network which is being led by a talented group of women. There is no better place in the ACC to showcase women's sports than the University of Louisville," said Vince Tyra, UofL VP/Athletic Director

The program was developed for major athletic departments with a proven commitment to women athletes and designed to prepare student athletes for success working after graduation through panel discussions and breakout sessions with accomplished university alumnae and ESPN Talent.

The panel was moderated by ESPN's Sarah Spain, from ESPN radio, Spain and Company, columnist and author, who said, "When you realize when you are in a school environment it feels very good to fit in. But when you get into the real world, the things that make you unique, even things you are insecure about are what makes you thrive and make you stand out as different and interesting.

The program is designed to prepare female college student-athletes for success after graduation. ESPNW has partnered with top-notch athletic departments for ESPNW talent, ESPNW executives, Athletic Directors and SWAs to lead panel discussions on key topics moderated by ESPN talent.

One of the panelists was UofL field hockey's Jenna Ahern , founder and CEO of Guardian Owl Digital, who said, "My best advice is to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be curious and get to know everyone around you."

UofL's volleyball/track's Dr. Lecia Brown, who is a research and developer for GSK – the multinational pharmaceutical company, also runs the LAMB foundation that awards scholarships to further girls' education around the world. A native of Jamaica, she travels the world with her job and her foundation and also puts on volleyball clinics as part of her outreach.

"Any time you can spare even five minutes to help someone and to give of your time and talent it not only benefits them but you as well. So don't forget you can give back at any stage of your life. It makes a difference."

Cardinal volleyball's Kelly McClain, rose through the ranks and is now a vice president and Wealth Management Advisor for Fifth/Third Bank.

McClain, who played professional volleyball in Germany before starting at Fifth/Third, told the audience, "When I was in school a wise person told me you can pay now and play later, or you can play now and pay later. Get through school, establish your career and enjoy the rest of your life."

University of Louisville Athletics

ESPNW Holds Campus Conversation for 400 Cardinal Women Athletes

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