Women's athletics launches 'Li'l' Warhawk Club for young girls
Released: December 4, 2007
Everyone has a role model. For many young girls, it's the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's female athletes. Now, girls in grades K-8 can experience being a female college student-athlete by becoming a member of the "Li'l Warhawk Club."
For $15 girls can attend any of the UW-Whitewater Women's athletic events for free when they wear the Li'l Warhawk Club t-shirt. Members also receive special recognition at athletic events.
UW-Whitewater Assistant Athletic Director Amy Edmonds said, "Our UW-Whitewater coaches of female sports wanted to get girls in the community more involved with women's sporting events. This was one way to get girls interested and excited about sports as well as being able to stress the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle. The goal of the club is to provide girls with the opportunity to experience that women are successful in both athletics and academics."
UW-Whitewater graduate and four-year track athlete Mollie Zirbel is helping with the club and thinks it's very important for girls to be introduced to and involved in sports. "The Li'l Warhawks program is a great way for girls to potentially find that role model who encourages them to be the absolute best she can be."
Not only will the Li'l Warhawks have positive role models to look up to, they will also have the chance to see the wide variety of sports offered to women. "Growing up, I never knew anything about gymnastics or tennis, except for what I saw on TV. Swimming and bowling I thought were for recreation, not competition. This is a great opportunity I wish I had had," Zirbel said.
To become a Li'l Warhawk, fill out a membership form at: www.uwwsports.com by clicking on any of the women's sports teams. Then follow the link "Women's Sports Foundation" located on the right hand side and information about the club is listed under "UW-Whitewater Women's Sports Foundation Events."
Upcoming events for Li'l Warhawks include:
Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 - "Girls and Women in Sports Day." At 2 p.m., the gymnastics team will host Brockport; at 3 p.m., the women's basketball team will host UW-Eau Claire. Young girls (grades 3-8) who play on sports teams or those who are not currently participating but would like more information on how to get involved with sports are welcome.
Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008 - Valentine's Day social. Parents can drop off their children between 6-6:30 p.m. Girls can participate in games, watch movies, etc. Snacks and juice will be provided.
Thursday, April 17, 2008 - 5K walk/run to raise money for the UW-Whitewater Women's Sports Foundation and the MS Society. At 3 p.m., women's softball will play UW-Oshkosh.
For more information, contact Edmonds at (262) 472-5646.
- Regina Shirkey,shirkeyrm26@uww.edu
