Two Bucknell student athletes, Nicky Punt and Corbin Callaway, attended the Women's Sports Foundation Athlete Leadership and Connection Event on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The ALC is an annual event hosted by the WSF that aims to connect industry leaders with professional and collegiate women athletes and to inspire the next generation of leaders. This foundation was founded by Billie Jean King who wanted to provide success and opportunities to female athletes and leaders. The two athletes had the opportunity to listen and interact with some of the most notable figures in women's sports throughout the event.
Bucknell had two of its women’s teams represented in the event; field hockey and women’s lacrosse. Punt is a member of the field hockey team and Callaway is on the women’s lacrosse team. Both ladies symbolize the highest ideals of the Bucknell student-athlete in excellence both on the field and in their classrooms.
“The WSF Athlete Leadership Connections was beyond an incredible experience, " said Callaway. “This event brought together female collegiate athletes to multi gold medalist Olympians and successful women across sports, media, business and advocacy. Throughout the day, we attended panels, participated in workshops and connected with so many inspiring individuals. Getting to hear the stories of women who have built lasting impact in sports and beyond was both empowering and motivating, uncovering my passion for gender equality in sports.”
At the event, the two started off the day with an ice breaker to meet people and then had media training by Isis "Ice" Young, a sports broadcaster.Following that, there was a panel moderated by Ari Chamber, who is a broadcaster for the WNBA. The guests on the panel included Susie Piotrkowski, the Vice President of women's sports broadcasting and espnW and Jessica Robertson, one of the founders of TOGETHXR. They discussed their views on the growth of women's sports as a whole.
“After the panel,” said Punt, "I had a brief conversation with Susie which was wonderful and we connected after the event as well. After the panel it was time for lunch and during lunch there was time to connect with fellow athletes. After that, we had a discussion as a whole group about sexual assault and prevention. This was very eye opening and interesting to hear other people's perspectives and stories. It was great to expand my network with other college athletes and even some professional athletes and professionals in the sports industry.”
The last part of the event allowed the athletes to sit in on the recording of the podcast "Good Game with Sarah Spain" with special guests Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach. The podcast episode ranged from funny topics to more serious ones. This was Calloway’s favorite part of the day.
“My favorite part of the event was definitely our last panel session listening to U.S. women's soccer legends, Abby Wambach, Sara Spain and Julie Foudy,” said Callaway. “Just being able to listen and understand their experiences with unfair treatment and inequality on the U.S. National Team was something I will keep with me forever. At the end of the session I was even able to talk with Abby one-on-one and take a picture with her!”
Punt’s favorite part of the day was one that came at the very end of the event, right before she left the city.
“It was talking to Billie Jean King's wife right before I left,” said Punt. “Unfortunately Billy Jean wasn't able to make the event herself, however, I am a very big tennis fan and I used to play it as well. She is such a legend and started the change for women's sports. I went up to her wife to tell her how cool I think Billie is and what a great organization the WSF is. She asked me about my sports, college, where I am from and what I am doing after college. She was also a Field Hockey player! It was such a great conversation and I don't think I will ever forget that.”
Attending the Women's Sports Foundation Athlete Leadership and Connection Event is a huge honor for the female athletes that are selected as it provides young female athletes the space to gain connections, opportunities and knowledge as well as the ability to see and talk to the women that are successful in this industry.
“As a female student-athlete, it meant a lot to be in a space dedicated to women’s voices and achievements,” said Callaway. “Seeing so many powerful leaders in one room showed me what is possible and reminded me of the importance of supporting each other and continuing to push boundaries. It made me feel valued, not just as an athlete, but as a future professional and leader. The event made me realize that we as female collegiate athletes need to advocate for ourselves to ensure equal treatment between female sports and male sports. I also realized that there were a lot of women who have gone through very similar experiences and how quickly we dismiss unfair treatment in the women's sports industry.”
“I feel so honored that I got to go to this event,” said Punt. “It was super empowering to be in a room with so many amazing women. I am insanely grateful for that opportunity and will be forever.”
Punt and Callaway not only received memories and an empowering day at the event, but they also took away a lot of knowledge and powerful lessons that will last a lifetime. Here are some of Callaway’s takeaways from the Women’s Sports Foundation Athlete Leadership and Connection Event.
- Empowerment comes from connection — asking questions, building community, and learning from others’ experiences.
- Every woman has a voice no matter what level of sports you are.
- To ensure the future of women's sports, we need to advocate and raise the standard of fair treatment.
- Leadership looks different for everyone and there is strength in authenticity.
- There are endless career possibilities for women in sports, and this generation has the power to drive change and elevate the next.
For Punt, her key takeaways was that we as a society are far from equality, but by standing together and supporting each other, women can do anything.
About the Women's Sports Foundation: The Women's Sports Foundation exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate, and a catalyst for tomorrow's leaders. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we are one of the first organizations to recognize the powerful connection between sport access, equity, and society. WSF has been changing the game for 50 years through its research, advocacy, and community programming, investing over $100 million to help girls and women play, compete, and lead – in sports and beyond – without barriers. A leader and champion of the entire women's sports ecosystem, WSF amplifies the vital societal and cultural impact that is made when girls and women play sports. All girls. All women. All sports® To learn more about the Women's Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
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