University of Houston Athletics
SAAC Holds Inaugural “Coog-HER Celebration”
2/9/2023 10:41:00 AM | General
Houston Athletics honors National Girls and Women in Sports Day
HOUSTON – In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day last Wednesday, University of Houston's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) put on the department's first "Coog-HER" Celebration," bringing together 100+ student-athletes and female administrators.
The evening featured a mixer and panel which included Houston Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development/SWA DeJuena Chizer, Houston Cougars Sports Properties – LEARFIELD General Manager Lauren Wilson, Houston Texans Senior Director of Luxe Partnership Services Shari Rainey, Final Four Committee Vice President of External Operations Rachel Quan and Houston Rockets Manager of Suite and Premium Activation Amanda Goldstein.
"It was great to be in a room full of future leaders and to share how important female leadership is to the fabric of any industry of their choosing," Chizer said. "I hope this panel gave our female student-athletes some insight and can serve as a catalyst for those beginning their careers."
The evening celebrated the accomplishments of Houston-area women in sports over the 50 years since Title IX was instituted and served as an annual celebration of Houston volleyball star Flo Hyman.
"Women empowerment is a big thing for me and making sure that our women see other women doing the work is just as important," Houston Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Development Christal Peterson said. "Not too long ago, women weren't even in the conversation when it came to a career in sports and now, we are seeing many of those "no's" turn into "firsts" so why not plant the seed early with our own athletes by celebrating them and highlighting various women in within our athletics department and Houston community."
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
On February 3, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5606 declaring February 4, 1987, as National Women in Sports Day. NGWSD was originally initiated in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her achievements and work for equality. Hyman died suddenly of Marfan's Syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since then, the day of observance has evolved to recognize all women athletes, their past and current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation for women, girls and society, as well as the progress made since Title IX was passed and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
STUDENT-ATHLETE TESTIMONIALS:
"This event means the world to me because it gives us the chance to shine a light on the incredible women who make UH Athletics the powerhouse that it is. The university and the public often focus their attention on our men's programs, but it is important to put the spotlight on the equally successful female athletes who are leaving their mark on the sports world and their community. From conference champions to ESPN top-10 players, to top-tier scholars, it was inspiring to see so many female student-athletes come together to support and celebrate one another at the Coog-HER Celebration event. With UH's deep connection to Flo Hyman, after whom NGWSD was started, and the 50th anniversary of Title IX having just passed, it felt natural for SAAC to establish an event that uplifts the strong women in our sports programs. I'm thankful to the entire SAAC team and our allies in the athletic department who believed in our vision and helped make the event a success. This may only be the first year of "Coog-Her", but I hope this tradition continues for many years into UH's future and that we can continue to advocate for equality in collegiate sports."
– SAAC President and redshirt sophomore Women's Golfer Anna Economon
"The Coog-HER Celebration event was definitely one for the books. I felt as though I was empowered especially since I was amidst strong, independent, fearless women in the same career field that I would like to pursue. I had the chance to hear about what it takes to be the only woman sometimes in a room full of all men and still get your point across without feeling intimidated, and that was inspiring because sometimes I find myself in those exact same positions."
– Sophomore Track and Field student-athlete Daisy Monie
"The Coog-HER Celebration was highly insightful and cathartic because there was a certain type of solidarity that formed for us as women, no matter what stage of life we were in. All of us are working hard to be recognized, and we're learning to accept every faucet of ourselves. We're learning how to set boundaries and how to ensure that our mind scape is peaceful."
– Graduate Track and Field student-athlete Priscilla Adejokun
"The Coog-HER Celebration was both reassuring and inspiring! It was special to be around so many hard-working, real, and passionate women."
– Junior Swimming & Diving student-athlete Sophie Anderson
"I thought the Coog-HER Celebration offered the female student athletes a unique opportunity to engage with some strong female leaders in the sports world. As female athletes we often hear praise regarding men and their success, so it was really cool to hear from successful women in the industry."
– Senior Swimming & Diving student-athlete Audrey McKinnon
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
The evening featured a mixer and panel which included Houston Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development/SWA DeJuena Chizer, Houston Cougars Sports Properties – LEARFIELD General Manager Lauren Wilson, Houston Texans Senior Director of Luxe Partnership Services Shari Rainey, Final Four Committee Vice President of External Operations Rachel Quan and Houston Rockets Manager of Suite and Premium Activation Amanda Goldstein.
"It was great to be in a room full of future leaders and to share how important female leadership is to the fabric of any industry of their choosing," Chizer said. "I hope this panel gave our female student-athletes some insight and can serve as a catalyst for those beginning their careers."
The evening celebrated the accomplishments of Houston-area women in sports over the 50 years since Title IX was instituted and served as an annual celebration of Houston volleyball star Flo Hyman.
"Women empowerment is a big thing for me and making sure that our women see other women doing the work is just as important," Houston Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Development Christal Peterson said. "Not too long ago, women weren't even in the conversation when it came to a career in sports and now, we are seeing many of those "no's" turn into "firsts" so why not plant the seed early with our own athletes by celebrating them and highlighting various women in within our athletics department and Houston community."
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
On February 3, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5606 declaring February 4, 1987, as National Women in Sports Day. NGWSD was originally initiated in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her achievements and work for equality. Hyman died suddenly of Marfan's Syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since then, the day of observance has evolved to recognize all women athletes, their past and current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation for women, girls and society, as well as the progress made since Title IX was passed and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
What a fun and special day celebrating women in sports and learning from powerful women! 💪🏻#NGWSD2023 pic.twitter.com/k8N6rC5BqL
— Houston Athletics (@UHCougars) February 7, 2023
STUDENT-ATHLETE TESTIMONIALS:
"This event means the world to me because it gives us the chance to shine a light on the incredible women who make UH Athletics the powerhouse that it is. The university and the public often focus their attention on our men's programs, but it is important to put the spotlight on the equally successful female athletes who are leaving their mark on the sports world and their community. From conference champions to ESPN top-10 players, to top-tier scholars, it was inspiring to see so many female student-athletes come together to support and celebrate one another at the Coog-HER Celebration event. With UH's deep connection to Flo Hyman, after whom NGWSD was started, and the 50th anniversary of Title IX having just passed, it felt natural for SAAC to establish an event that uplifts the strong women in our sports programs. I'm thankful to the entire SAAC team and our allies in the athletic department who believed in our vision and helped make the event a success. This may only be the first year of "Coog-Her", but I hope this tradition continues for many years into UH's future and that we can continue to advocate for equality in collegiate sports."
– SAAC President and redshirt sophomore Women's Golfer Anna Economon
"The Coog-HER Celebration event was definitely one for the books. I felt as though I was empowered especially since I was amidst strong, independent, fearless women in the same career field that I would like to pursue. I had the chance to hear about what it takes to be the only woman sometimes in a room full of all men and still get your point across without feeling intimidated, and that was inspiring because sometimes I find myself in those exact same positions."
– Sophomore Track and Field student-athlete Daisy Monie
"The Coog-HER Celebration was highly insightful and cathartic because there was a certain type of solidarity that formed for us as women, no matter what stage of life we were in. All of us are working hard to be recognized, and we're learning to accept every faucet of ourselves. We're learning how to set boundaries and how to ensure that our mind scape is peaceful."
– Graduate Track and Field student-athlete Priscilla Adejokun
"The Coog-HER Celebration was both reassuring and inspiring! It was special to be around so many hard-working, real, and passionate women."
– Junior Swimming & Diving student-athlete Sophie Anderson
"I thought the Coog-HER Celebration offered the female student athletes a unique opportunity to engage with some strong female leaders in the sports world. As female athletes we often hear praise regarding men and their success, so it was really cool to hear from successful women in the industry."
– Senior Swimming & Diving student-athlete Audrey McKinnon
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference.
Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.
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