Recap: Women's History Month with Leatherneck Athletics
MACOMB, Ill. – During March, in honor of Women's History Month, Western Illinois University Athletics honored women student-athletes and athletics staff throughout the month. A recap of the month's highlights is below.
Staff highlights:
Alex Becerra, Volleyball Assistant Coach
Alex Becerra finished her first coaching season at WIU this past fall, and her playing background consists of playing at Queens University of Charlotte. As a student-athlete, she was second on the team with 378 assists and fifth with 2.93 digs per set. Before starting at WIU, Becerra served as an assistant coach for three seasons at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio.
"In my opinion women should be celebrated everyday, but an entire month specifically dedicated to women is just as special. It is a time to honor the women that paved the way in all aspects of our society and a time to encourage those that are doing it now day by day."
Sophia Tedesco, Director of Football Operations
Sophia Tedesco currently serves as the Director of Football Operation, after having started at WIU as the graduate assistant for compliance. Before arriving at WIU, Tedesco earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science and Religious Studies from Saint Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont.
Tedesco expressed what Women's History means to her, "This month is a time to celebrate the strength, leadership, and achievements of women who have paved the way for all future generations. It is a reminder to keep pushing for change, progress, and empowerment in all spaces, especially within sports."
Alisa Goler, Softball Head Coach
Alisa Goler is currently the head softball coach at WIU. As a student-athlete at the University of Georgia, Goler was a three-time All-American before going on to be drafted to the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) team, the Chicago Bandits, where she played seven years of professional ball. Goler was also named Rookie of the Year in the NPF in 2011 and was two-time All-NPF Team honoree.
Goler previously served as an assistant coach at Penn State University, Syracuse University, and Roosevelt University before taking over for the Leathernecks in 2020. Goler was named assistant coach for the USA Softball Elite and U18 teams in the summer of 2024 and was recently named Blaze Head Coach for the Inaugural season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League starting in the summer of 2025.
Goler shared, "This month always reminds me how lucky I am to have been raised by a strong woman; how lucky I was to have been given the opportunity to play collegiately for a Hall of Fame Coach. I am so thankful for every female that came before me that was willing to stand up for what is right. Women have always fought for a spot at the table and I want female student-athletes to know that we will always push for more and more."
Rowan Haverkamp, Head Athletic Trainer for WIU Football
Rowan Haverkamp serves as a Senior Athletic Trainer for the WIU Football Team and is an advisor for VitalCog Suicide Prevention group to train student-athletes with skills to help those around them.
"Women's History Month is a time to applaud the work women do every single day," said Haverkamp. "I am honored to have been impacted by strong women in my life, who encourage and inspire me. This drives me to do the same for those around me. Women continue to break down barriers, especially in the world of sports. I am so proud to be a part of that."
Student-Athlete Highlights:
Paige Grice, Senior, Women's Tennis
So far during her senior season, Grice has been named OVC Singles Player of the Week. She was an International Tennis Association National Qualifier, and along with her teammate, became the first Leathernecks to ever play at ITA Nationals.
During Grice's junior year, she was named OVC Preseason Player to Watch for the 2023-2024 season. In 2023, she was named Summit League Academic First Team All-Conference and Academic All-District by College Sports Communicators. Additionally, during her freshman year, Grice led her team in singles victories.
"For me, Women's History Month is an opportunity to be proud of the success of women in sport and all the positive changes that have been made throughout the years. While also recognizing the inequalities that still exist today, and working towards an even better future."
Kayla Turner, Senior, Women's Soccer
During the 2024 season, Turner was named to the OVC Player to Watch List. Turner assisted the game winning goal against SEMO in OVC play last fall, and she is also heavily involved within the WIU community.
"Women's History Month means a lot to me because it helps me as an athlete and female see what is possible in the athletic world. It shows anything is achievable as long as you put yourself to it. As well as it paves the way for future generations, it shows them what is possible when you put your heart, mind and soul into it" Kayla expressed in a weekly highlight.
Yoanny Espinoza, Junior, Women's Track & Field
As a Leatherneck student-athlete, Espinoza finished second in the triple jump and 10th in the long jump at the Musco Twilight Meet in the 2023-2024 season. In her 2023 Indoor season, Espinoza finished fifth in the triple jump at the Hawkeye Invite.
Yoanny voiced, "For me this month is about celebrating progress while continuing to strive for opportunities and recognition in sports and beyond. This month really inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and continue advocating for empowerment to prove women belong in every competitive space."
Sophia Thorne, Freshman, Women's Golf
In her first season at WIU, Thorne has participated in four meets so far in the 2024-2025 season. Thorne is also a current member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at WIU.
"Women's History Month is important to me because it allows us to set aside time to recognize the remarkable contributions that women have made, not only throughout history, but also in athletics. It gives us time to reflect on how far we have come and what we are capable of achieving in the future" Sophia shared.
