UNC Magazine
July 6, 2020
Written by Rebecca Dell
12th Annual Women鈥檚 Walk Goes Virtual
Supporters of UNC female student-athletes rally from their homes and neighborhoods to raise $17,000 for scholarships and student support
There were no high-fives around Nottingham Field for this year鈥檚 virtual Women鈥檚 Walk, but that didn鈥檛 stop more than 240 students, coaches, alumni, faculty, staff, friends of UNC, and the whole Athletic Department from participating in the 12th annual event. The walk, which occurred in homes and neighborhoods around the country, raised more than $17,000 for scholarships and supports the greatest needs of female student-athletes.
Leading up to the walk, UNC shared videos of coaches and student-athletes, safe at home, explaining some of the opportunities the Women鈥檚 Walk funds have provided. Leilani Herrera, an MBA student on the swimming and diving team, sent a video from her home in Hawai鈥榠, talking about the way athletics has enhanced her college experience.
鈥淏eing a student-athlete at UNC has honestly brought me to my second family and brought me a ton of great memories that I will never forget.鈥�
On the day of the walk, participants donned Bear gear and got some fresh air, posting videos or photos tagged #UNCWomensWalk. They rode bikes, pushed strollers, skated on rollerblades and brought their dogs. The annual Bear Heiny鈥檚 Team showed off their matching T-shirts, per tradition. Kids and parents completed a Bear scavenger hunt, crossing off items they spotted around their neighborhoods or parks.
Herrera typically loves the in-person aspect of the walks鈥嗏�斺�哻onnecting with Bear fans, high-fiving the kids and other walkers who pass by, being with her team. But she wrote that despite the unique situation this year, Bear supporters still came through.
鈥淚 have been following along, and I cannot believe the amount the virtual walk raised! It is absolutely fantastic to see everyone come together even in a virtual setting and show their support,鈥� Hererra wrote.
Since its inception, the Women鈥檚 Walk has had more than 3,800 participants and raised more than $420,000, according to a conservative estimate. With this support, UNC鈥檚 women鈥檚 teams and student-athletes are able to succeed in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community.
