Campus Conversations

 
STANFORD, Calif. – More than 100 student-athletes and coaches attended a lively and insightful panel discussion on Monday night co-hosted by Stanford Athletics and espnW entitled Campus Conversations in CEMEX Auditorium at the Graduate School of Business.
 
The event was moderated by Julie Foudy '95, a four-time All-American soccer player, now a reporter and analyst for ABC/ESPN, and contributor and writer for espnW. Panelists included Becky Crowe '95 (swimming), Ellen Estes '02 (water polo), Shaluinn Fullove '00 (track and field), Jessica Mendoza '98 (softball), Ogonna Nnamani '05 (volleyball) and Amanda Renteria '96 (basketball, softball).
 
 The intention of the forum was to provoke thoughtful conversations that support, educate and inspire female student-athletes during their college careers. By all accounts, it was a huge success.
 
"I am re-inspired by meeting you all," said Renteria, National Political Director for Hilary Clinton's presidential campaign. "I hope our paths cross again. In the meantime, as Julie proposed, continue owning your awesome."
 
Another panelist added, "Study what you crave. Crave pressure. Reach out. Don't lose that inner drive."
 
Following the discussion, which was live streamed on Facebook participants joined ex-student athletes Natalie Fair '00 (soccer), Larissa Fontaine '00 (gymnastics), Heather Hernandez '09 (volleyball, rowing), Tracy V. Hughes '91 (volleyball), Mary Liz McCurdy '12 (cross country, track and field), Sarah McCurdy '12, '16 MS (track and field), Erica McLain '08 (basketball), Emily McLaughlin '13 (rowing), Heather M. Owen '98 (basketball) and Linda Bowman Segre '81, '87 MBA (golf) for break out discussions with attendees.
 
 Many current student-athletes raved about the dialogue, including several football players. One said it produced self-reflection and wished the event had been mandatory for the entire team.
 
"I plan to be a vocal leader working to promote women's sports through the use of social media and attending their sporting events," he said.
 
All attendees were enlightened.
 
"Pressure is a privilege," said one. "This really resonated with me because I think it is a good mindset to have, particularly as an athlete and at a competitive school like Stanford because in those two realms we are constantly faced with high pressure situations."
 
Added another, "I am going to take more risks and be okay without knowing what my future will be and being imperfect. Pivots aren't bad. Network and make connections with people."
 
 One student-athlete said the discussions helped raise awareness that others face the same day-to-day challenges.
 
 "I found it really awesome to realize that no matter how often I feel like I am struggling here at Stanford, I need to take a step back and realize that I am still here, at one of the greatest schools in the world and that I will be able to succeed and achieve what I want in life because of how well this place prepares you for life post Stanford," she said.