Athletics and Campus Life hosted two major campus events last week, drawing student-athletes and community members together for leadership, development and competition.
The week began with the inaugural StrongHER Sports Summit on April 15, followed by the 22nd annual Northeast Delta Dental at NHTI Road Race on April 17.
The StrongHER Summit marked the first event of its kind on campus, welcoming high school student-athletes for a day focused on leadership, connection, and the evolving landscape of women's athletics.
"I'm incredibly proud of the energy and engagement at our first-ever StrongHER Summit," said Director of Athletics and Campus Life Annie Mattarazzo. "We're grateful to all of the student-athletes and athletic directors who attended and proud of our student-athletes and coaches who represented our programs on the panel."
The event opened with a panel discussion featuring Lynx student-athletes and coaches from the women's soccer and softball programs. High school attendees were invited to ask questions about collegiate athletics, balancing academics and competition, and the transition the next level."
Following the panel, participants gathered in small groups for guided discussions on topics including leadership, team culture, media, and opportunities for women in sports. The summit concluded with a keynote session from Southern New Hampshire women's basketball coach Karen Pinkos, who shared her experiences in athletics and answered questions from attendees.
"We are so thankful for our partners at Great Bay Athletics and the words and wisdom of Coach Karen Pinkos for their impact," said Mattarazzo. "I can't wait to watch these young women step forward with confidence, lead boldly, and become the very best versions of themselves on their teams and in their schools."
Later in the week, runners from across New England gathered on campus for the 22nd annual Northeast Delta Dental 5k Road Race, hosted by NHTI as part of the Capital Area Race Series.
The race drew competitors of all ages and experience levels, continuing its tradition as one of the nine events in the series. The Capital Area Race Series remains a fixture in New Hampshire's running community, offering accessible competition throughout the spring and summer.
"This event is a great reflection of what our community is all about," said Mattarazzo. "It's exciting to welcome participants from across New England to campus and see them compete in this long-standing series."
The road race once again highlighted the connection between campus and community, closing out a week of events centered around engagment, participation, and athletic opportunities.
