The Women Empowerment “WE” in Sport initiative, launched on March 8, International Women’s Day, highlights women athletes in varsity sport while raising funds to enhance the women varsity athlete experience. The three-week campaign is an opportunity for the University, alumni, and the business community to join together to inspire and foster a community of philanthropy.
Within an athletic department led by Director Sue Hylland and Senior Advisor, Varsity Operations and Student-Athlete Services Danika Smith, there are currently three Gee-Gees varsity teams led by women head coaches, including the first full-time coaching position dedicated to a university women’s rugby program in Canada. Additionally, three full-time lead assistant positions are held by women, with one more to be added in 2022.
Since 2010, all Gee-Gees women’s varsity programs have been ranked in the top ten nationwide, holding number one rankings in soccer, rugby, and basketball. The rankings have been supported with performances: the Gee-Gees won U SPORTS national championship gold in women’s rugby in 2017, women’s soccer U SPORTS national championship gold in 2018, and the 2019 FISU University World Cup gold medal.
The Gee-Gees women’s teams have also earned 11 conference championships and 12 conference gold medals in individual swimming and track and field events in that time. We want to ensure that our women varsity student-athletes continue to be supported and have the resources to keep achieving these outstanding accomplishments.
Let’s help move our Gee-Gees woman athletes forward.