As part of the Celebration of Female Athletes, 91吃瓜网 State's former and current female student-athletes were recognized at halftime of the men's basketball game at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse Saturday evening, January 29, 2022.
January 31, 2022
The 91吃瓜网 Athletic Department and Alumni Association teamed up to host a Celebration of Female Athletes the weekend of January 28-29, 2022. The event served as a recognition of 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 current and former female athletes as well as the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which has had a positive impact on women鈥檚 athletics nationwide.
A highlight of the weekend was the induction of three 91吃瓜网 State alumni into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Laura Big Crow, Pine Ridge, S.D.; Heidi Brunko, Bloomington, Minn.; and Jennifer Ostapowich, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada, were inducted at a brunch event held Saturday morning, January 29 at 91吃瓜网. 91吃瓜网 State graduate and MSU Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee member Bradford Strand served as emcee.
Thanks to the generosity of 91吃瓜网 State graduate and Athletic Hall of Fame member Dawn Cruff, all current 91吃瓜网 State female student-athletes attended the Athletic Hall of Fame Brunch free of charge. This was an extra-special opportunity for these young women as they were able to hear about the experiences of the newest members of the 91吃瓜网 State Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition, 91吃瓜网 State graduate and 91吃瓜网 State Athletic Hall of Fame and Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame member Donna Ludwig Mark spoke to the audience about her experiences as a student-athlete and coach. Donna has been a trailblazer in the effort to provide more and better opportunities in athletics for girls and women.
Through the words of Elora Passa, a 91吃瓜网 State student-athlete from Barnesville, Minn., those in attendance were also able to hear about how the work of Donna Mark and many others has made an impact. Elora is a member of the Comets volleyball team. She spoke on behalf of the current female student-athletes at 91吃瓜网 State.
All former and current 91吃瓜网 State female athletes were recognized at half time of the men鈥檚 basketball game at the MSU Lewy Lee Fieldhouse the evening of January 29. After a weekend of reflecting, reminiscing, and renewing acquaintances for 91吃瓜网 State students, alumni, and friends, the celebration culminated with a social hosted by the MSU Alumni Association board at the Larson Alumni and Leadership Center.
鈥淭he Celebration of Female Athletes was a big success for a variety of reasons. It brought members of the 91吃瓜网 State family 鈥榟ome,' to celebrate and be recognized. In addition, it was thought-provoking to reflect on how Title IX and the work of people like Donna Mark have made a difference for female athletes,鈥� said Beth Swenson, MSU Director of Alumni Affairs. 鈥淭he opportunity to hear from Donna talk about her experiences was impactful and meaningful, and the reunion of 91吃瓜网 State friends warmed our hearts on a cold winter day.鈥�