Western Illinois University Athletics

The Western Illinois Athletics Department has created WE (Women Empowering), a group dedicated to developing strong, successful, empowered women by challenging and supporting female-student athletes. WE features several female professionals from across the Western Illinois University campus.

"The 'WE' program is an extension of the department's efforts, through our broader L.E.A.P. programming, to offer campus resources to the entire spectrum of our diverse student-athlete population. The program provides additional opportunities for female student-athletes to connect with successful mentors from an array of professional backgrounds, including faculty, staff and off-campus professionals," said Director of Athletics Matt Tanney. "The number of volunteers that have stepped forward in support of the program in its inaugural year has been outstanding, and we look forward to its continued evolution in serving our female student-athletes."

WE hosted its first-ever event, a spring kick-off, on January 26th (photos below). The events provided food courtesy of Hy-Vee and featured a yoga session with Dawn Piper to conclude the evening.

"I am excited to see WE flourishing this semester," said Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services Lisa Melz-Jennings. "Alaina Digiorgio and Tori Niemann, former student-athletes and the two co-chairs of the group, have really taken a very personal interest in making sure our department does all they can to provide a voice for the WIU female student-athletes. The purpose of WE is to encourage female empowerment and create a safe, judgment free space for female student-athletes while building a sense of community. It is important for female student-athletes to feel heard, have equal representation and build each other up. The vision is to develop strong, successful, empowered women and the mission is to challenge and support female student-athletes."

The group's next event will be next Tuesday, April 5, featuring Dr. Lisa Kaplan who will discuss confidence, body image and more.

Leatherneck fans can follow WE on Twitter at @WIU_WE.