Hokie ClubAdapting to a virtual world during the fall semester, Virginia Tech Athletics' Office of Student-Athlete Development, within the Leadership Institute, did not miss on a chance to play host recently to an event for Virginia Tech's female student-athletes.
"Hokie Women RISE," or RISE for short, is part of a continued initiative that aims to build community and foster personal growth among Tech female student-athletes, and on the evening of Oct. 19, Hokie Women RISE played host to a virtual event streamed live on Zoom entitled "You Are Enough," which focused on body positivity. Thirty-eight female student-athletes and nine female staff members attended the event.
Laurie Fritsch, a guest speaker from Hokie Wellness, facilitated a condensed version of The Body Project, which is "a forum for high school girls and college aged women to confront unrealistic appearance ideals and develop healthy body image and self-esteem." During the one-hour workshop, Fritsch led participants through discussions and activities to discuss the idea of the "perfect woman," explore the costs of pursuing this appearance ideal, and strategies to combat negative body talk and empower each other as women to feel more positive about their bodies. Fritsch aimed her presentation specifically at body positivity for female athletes, with a strong emphasis on women empowering women with conversations that matter.
The sense of community and safe space to share thoughts and experiences openly are what makes Hokie Women RISE events meaningful to Hokie female student-athletes.
"RISE events have shown me that I'm not alone when having certain thoughts or feelings regarding my sport" Tech softball player Grace Chavez said. "There are plenty of other athletes that have either gone through, or are currently going through, what I have, and that's what makes the Hokie family so strong."
"I'm glad I had a chance to be a part of this event because it helped me to understand that my body is good enough in the way that it looks and this is how I can be good for my sport," Tech swimmer Reka Gyorgy said.
The format may look a little different this semester, but Hokie Women RISE still plans on continuing to connect the female student-athletes within the Virginia Tech community, while empowering them through personal growth.