Members of Miami's volleyball team rally during a game. (Michael Griggs / The Miami Student)
Past and present Miami University female athletes are preparing to reunite with teammates Oct. 16 as part of the Bicentennial celebration.
From Oct. 16 to 18, more than 200 women will return to campus for a three-day commemoration of Miami's Women's Athletic program.
"We've never had an all women's sports reunion in the history of Miami," Jennie Gilbert, associate athletic director said.
Gilbert said recognizing the women who made Miami athletics what it is today would be a unique way to celebrate Miami's Bicentennial. She said the event will give the recognition women athletes deserve while letting current athletes shine.
A Panel of Legends, a brunch and athletic events for alumnae are among many events that will be hosted for the women throughout the reunion.
The Panel of Legends will take place before the brunch Oct. 17. It will include coaches and athletes who will describe their experiences in the women's sports programs prior to Title IX. Before the passage of Title IX, female athletes at Miami had one set of jerseys each team shared and traveled to games in stations wagons.
The brunch, honoring all female athletes who have competed on the varsity level, will feature a keynote speaker, Elaine Hieber, formerly the assistant athletic director at Miami.
Hieber said she is looking forward to the upcoming event.
"Miami was very special to me," Heiber said. "It was an opportunity that expanded my professional career. I love the students and atmosphere of Miami, so this will be very special."
When asked about the plans for the reunion, Heiber stated, "It is always a very positive opportunity for Miami to recognize the commitment they have made to women in athletics."
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The reunion will not only be a great opportunity for Miami to recognize female athletes but also an opportunity for alumnae to come together and reminisce about their past experiences and share what they have done since graduating.
"The early female athletes' accomplishments and what they have achieved in life are phenomenal," Hieber said. "Title IX opened the door for women to be able to accomplish so much."
Hieber said she had received many e-mails from past players who are excited to see each other once again.
With female athletes from several different eras attending, current athletes and former athletes will have the chance to discuss how the athletic program has changed. Current athletes and alumnae will be intermingling throughout the weekend, according to Gilbert.
Gilbert said she hopes the event will allow the women to gain an appreciation for what others are going through and to work with the present athletes to leave an even greater legacy for the future.
All the events of the weekend will be open to the public.
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