Empowering the Next Generation of Female Athletes
KENT, Ohio – A group of inspiring women student-athletes from Kent State University’s Golden Flashes program dedicated their Wednesday morning to mentoring the next generation at Theodore Roosevelt High School.
The event showcased four specialized discussion groups, each concentrating on different facets of the student-athlete experience. Each Kent State athlete remained focused on their assigned topics throughout the 10-minute rotations, engaging with high school student-athletes.
“What a wonderful way to kick off Women’s History Month,” said Suzette McQueen, Kent State’s Deputy Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator. “I extend my gratitude to Ben Dunlap and the staff for their warm welcome, and I am eager to explore further opportunities to engage their students. Our student-athletes are exceptional representatives of Kent State Athletics, and I deeply appreciate their commitment to sharing their experiences and advice.”
Lauren Conroy (field hockey), Ava Todd (soccer), and Mya Babbitt (women’s basketball) facilitated discussions focused on mental health and self-care strategies. They emphasized personal tactics for managing pressure, the significance of taking breaks from sports, and fostering positive self-dialogue.
Another group, composed of Emma Rolston (field hockey), Davanee McNairy (lacrosse), and Dionna Gray (women’s basketball), delved into the daily life of Division I student-athletes. They addressed essential time management skills and the balance between the rigors of collegiate athletics and personal life.
The academic aspect of being a student-athlete was tackled by Delaney Robeson (softball), Abby Breitschuh (soccer), and Alison Utter (lacrosse), who discussed their chosen majors, strategies for prioritizing commitments, and preparing for life beyond sports.
In the final session, focused on leadership in sports, Allie Lee (lacrosse), Tatiana Thomas (women’s basketball), and Maddy Miklesh (softball) discussed the increasing visibility and impact of women’s sports, personal leadership experiences, and the influential figures who have shaped their athletic journeys.
Students from Roosevelt High School rotated through all four groups, gaining a well-rounded perspective on life as a collegiate student-athlete. The interactive discussions sparked thoughtful questions and fostered meaningful connections between the younger and collegiate athletes.
“This is a fantastic first step in strengthening the relationship between Kent State and Roosevelt Athletics,” remarked Ben Dunlap, Athletic Director at Roosevelt High School. “Having collegiate student-athletes share their stories with our students is invaluable. Many of our student-athletes dream of continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level; allowing them to meet their heroes is incredibly impactful.”
As the event wrapped up, Kent State and Roosevelt High student-athletes came together for memorable photographs, celebrating a day filled with mentorship, inspiration, and a shared dedication to athletics and academics that unites student-athletes across all competition levels.
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