Breaking the Mold

Home to seven thousand two hundred and seven students, Elon University has become a place in which students from all over the nation, and the world, call home. Elon, North Carolina, located two and a half hours west of the mountains, and and three hours east of the beaches, the "27244" house an up-incoming university welcoming students of all interests to further their education and hold true to their passion. But for some female students, this passion is in the form of sports, and pursuing a dream that they have had since stepping foot on campus.

According to "The Brown and White," the Lehigh University Newspaper, they share that a study conducted by the University of Central Florida estimated 14.4% of all professional sports reporters across the nation are female (Fuhrer 2024). Throughout the nation, female representation in coaching staff falls short of 50%, hitting 42.2% according to "We Coach." And female athletic directors, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, hold 25% of the positions across the nation. Female representation has become a recent topic of conversation coast to coast, but more locally, Elon University has tackled these conversations within leadership, alumna, and coaches.

From Phoenix to Future

In may of 2024, Bennert graduated Summa Cum Laude from Elon University, with a Bachelor in Arts in Journalism. She also graduated as one of thirty Communications Fellows in the Class of 2024. Now, the alumna lives in Boston fulfilling this dream she has always held close to her heart, but understands there is more to be done.

"I think that there is so much work to do," Bennert says, "and there is so much that can happen, and should happen for women in this field because there are so many qualified women who don't get the opportunities they deserve, just because of their gender."

Although having worked most sports at Elon, there is one team she shares close bonds with, and one coach she always admired, even from her early days at Elon. The women's basketball team and head coach Charlotte Smith, became a second family for Bennert, and someone who became more than just a name she announced on TV. For Bennert, sports are rooted in her life, and Elon gave her the opportunity to find her place in the broadcasting world.

-Katie Bennert-

Smith understands that what makes Elon so special is their commitment to their athletes and the furthering of more than just their athletic career. She says, "I always tell my players that the ball will eventually stop bouncing," implying that you have to think bigger than sports, you have to think about life after playing. More than just a trailblazer for women in sports, Smith is currently molding a team of veterans and those just starting there journey at Elon University. Her continued passion, dedication, and love for the sport continues to shine through, but now just from the sideline.

A Historical Celebration

While at the University of Miami, where she served for 11 years, Strawley shares she accomplished a lot within the athletic culture of the school. However, her one main focus was to raise money around the women's athletics program.

Through this program, Strawley raised awareness over the simple idea that women's sports are important, and that they deserve recognition. She shares that this event was what she was "most proud of," as it truly held a great impact.

For Jennifer Strawley, Elon University may be a relatively new location, but she has already made her mark and impacted each of the teams she leads. Through going to a variety of sporting events, and taking the time to get to know each student athlete, as well as student on campus, Strawley has become a member of the Elon Athletics community that is looked upon as a leader.

Three Women. Three Stories. One Mission.

Elon University mission states, "Elon University embraces its founders’ vision of an academic community that transforms mind, body, and spirit and encourages freedom of thought and liberty of conscience". Each of the women mentioned above, have either been introduced, been taught, or coached to this statement of 25 words. However, the one aspect they zoom in on, is to embrace the freedom of thought and the liberty of conscience, in continuing the conversation of why women should be in sports. Bennert has inspired women in the broadcasting community to hold close to their passion, and pursue it. Smith reminds her players to, "take the limits off" and understands the important role she has held in the women in sports movement. And Strawley inspires a community of athletes to remember why women in sports are important, and the work that still needs to be done. These women inspire women to continue the conversation, and instead of asking, "Why?"rather ask, "Why not?".