University of Oklahoma Athletics
OU Launches Women of Championship Excellence Fund
February 02, 2022 | Athletics
NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department and The Sooner Club have launched the Women of Championship Excellence initiative aimed to celebrate the outstanding women's programs at the University of Oklahoma and formalize direct giving avenues for those who are passionate about supporting women's programs. These avenues encompass anyone who contributes to the Women of Championship Excellence Fund or an established facility project in which female student-athletes train and compete.
The launch is part of the athletics department's continued focus on providing financial support and championship resources to sports programs in their constant pursuit of excellence in competition and life. With much-needed facility enhancements and rising scholarship costs, this initiative aspires to raise funds in these areas in the immediate future. In addition to the financial component of this initiative, OU Athletics and The Sooner Club will host networking and mentorship opportunities connecting supporters, coaches and student-athletes.
The announcement of Women of Championship Excellence is made on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and just ahead of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which was signed into federal law on June 23, 1972. Title IX states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
"What our women accomplish during their time as student-athletes is remarkable, but the influence they have on so many around the world is what makes them truly extraordinary."
Joe Castiglione
"At Oklahoma, we are proud of the tremendous success our women's programs achieve each year in athletics competition; however, we know their impact extends beyond trophies and championships," said OU Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione. "The excellence of those programs is also reflected in their stellar classroom performance and impressive graduation rates, as well as in soaring attendance, social media engagement and television viewership numbers. What our women accomplish during their time as student-athletes is remarkable, but the influence they have on so many around the world is what makes them truly extraordinary. We are thrilled to celebrate them while also providing the necessary resources to help them thrive in the classroom, in sport and beyond."
Former OU gymnastics standout and Varsity O member Maggie Nichols said she speaks from experience on how public and private support can make a huge difference in OU's women's student-athletes' experiences.
"It means the world to be a part of the OU family, and I know firsthand the positive impact Oklahoma can have on young people," Nichols shared. "It was clear from the moment I arrived on campus that there were so many people at OU who were going to care for me and help me in my next steps of life. That is why I chose to champion this initiative. As a direct recipient of this support throughout the years, it is an honor to give back and support the current and future generations of OU women through the launch of Women of Championship Excellence."
OU head women's basketball coach Jennie Baranczyk said her staff is instilling in her student-athletes the importance of financial giving, and that they have responded in resounding fashion with their own pledges.
"When you give your time, talents and financial resources to OU Athletics and the Sooner Club, you are helping young people live out their dreams," said Baranczyk. "We know there are so many supporters who have provided invaluable opportunities for not only our women's basketball program, but all of our OU sports programs. That is why it is really important for us as leaders of OU women's basketball to teach our student-athletes when they arrive here on campus to give back. And I'm thrilled to say that 100% of our women's basketball student-athletes are giving financially to The Sooner Club, because they want to contribute to the development of future leaders."
In addition to the facility-specific avenues, those who choose to contribute to the Women of Championship Excellence Fund specifically will be supporting the greatest areas of need for OU female student-athletes as determined by women's sport programs head coaches and administrators. Areas of consideration will include, but are not limited to, personal and professional development, scholarship support and facility projects.
To learn more about the Women of Championship Excellence initiative, please visit TheSoonerClub.com/woce or contact The Sooner Club at (405) 325-8000.
