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Women's History Month Athlete Spotlight: Ulyssa Mata

Women's History Month Athlete Spotlight: Ulyssa Mata

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are excited to highlight Ulyssa Mata, a Team JL ambassador whose journey in rowing is deeply rooted in representation, perseverance, and advocacy. Inspired by Olympic rower Kenia Lechuga, Ulyssa set out to break barriers and create space for more diversity in the sport she loves. Although she has faced challenges and moments of doubt, Ulyssa continues to push forward to be the best version of herself. In this Q&A, Ulyssa shares how rowing has shaped her, the athletes who inspire her, and why representation in sports matters.

Women's History Month Athlete Spotlight: Harper Schrager

Women's History Month Athlete Spotlight: Harper Schrager

In celebration of Women's History Month, we are thrilled to spotlight Harper Schrager, a Team JL ambassador and a passionate advocate for rowing. Harper's journey into this sport began at Camp Randall in 8th grade, where she discovered a profound sense of community that ignited her passion for the sport. Through rowing, Harper not only found a supportive community but also embraced a newfound appreciation for her body's capabilities both on and off the water. We sat down with Harper to learn how rowing empowers women, the female athletes who inspire her, and what Women's History Month means to her as an athlete. 

Lottie McAlice Inspires our Rowing Community 155 Years Later

Lottie McAlice Inspires our Rowing Community 155 Years Later

As a native Pittsburgh, who fell into rowing in my 40’s, I was pleasantly surprised to learn where I row is steeped in women’s rowing history. With three rivers in our area, it shouldn’t be surprising that we as a city have a rich rowing past. However, what continuously excites me about our rowing history is the first recorded American competitive rowing race between two women happened in Pittsburgh in 1870. Not only did this race happen 155 years ago, it was also 102 years before the passing of the Title IX legislation. 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2025

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2025

We're celebrating the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day that honors not just the champions and record-breakers, but also the grassroots efforts of communities, schools, and organizations that ensure sports are accessible for all girls and women. We’re proud to amplify the voices of women athletes, and celebrate the boundless opportunities that sports create. Why do sports matter? Hear directly from some of The Boat Race athletes who inspire us to dream big and break boundaries.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2024

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2024

National Girls and Women in Sports Day (February 7, 2024) is a special day all about giving props to women in sports, recognizing their grit, and pushing for equality. As we gear up to celebrate, we sat down with some of our Team JL Ambassadors to learn more about their journey in sports. Join us as we delve into their personal experiences, memorable moments that shaped their athletic journey, and the empowerment they've discovered through participation in sports.
Historic Women Creating Spaces for Women to Excel

Historic Women Creating Spaces for Women to Excel

It’s on the shoulders of these trailblazers that we stand today, personally I am indescribably grateful for their contributions to our programs and professions. Their resiliency to press forward despite glass ceilings, patriarchal precedent, and barriers to equality enabled them to painfully carve out the spaces that we have today in male-dominated environments like athletics and high-level professional environments. 
Women's History Month 2023

Women's History Month 2023

The history of women in sports is full of obstacles and discrimination. For a long time, women were considered physically weak and unsuitable for sports. At first, they were not allowed to play sports in various sports associations at all. Over time, the situation changed, and women's sports associations were established. Even after the formation of associations, they could not participate in competitions, races, or matches. 
National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2023

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2023

In recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 1, 2023, we asked three of our ambassadors, Zola, Mallory, and Nancy, about their experiences in sports. Read about how these women feel about being an athlete, their accomplishments in sport, and what they would like to see for girls and women in the future. 
Team JL Ambassador Training To Row Across The Atlantic

Team JL Ambassador Training To Row Across The Atlantic

On this National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we join in on recognizing student-athletes, champion athletes, coaches, administrators and lawmakers committed to providing equitable access to sports for all girls and women. We would like to highlight one of our Team JL ambassadors, Rachel Smillie, who is currently training to rowing across the Atlantic Ocean with two other women.