Hempstead, NY - Hofstra Athletics welcomed prominent female leaders and alumnae to the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex for the first-ever student-led Women of the Pride Symposium on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

The Women of the Pride symposium brought together nearly 200 female Hofstra student-athletes, coaches, and administrators to celebrate women in sports and leadership through panels, breakout sessions, and talks focused on the power of being a female student-athlete and life after collegiate athletics.

The event was championed by women's soccer student-athlete Millie Davies and made possible through the support of Trish Healy, Hofstra President Dr. Susan Poser, Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr., the speakers and panelists in attendance, the WOTP Advisory Committee, and the Hofstra Athletics Pride Club.

"This symposium is a powerful reflection of what Hofstra Athletics stands for, empowering our student-athletes to lead, inspire, and create lasting impact," said Cole Jr. "Millie and her peers showed tremendous initiative in developing this event, and seeing our alumnae, administrators, and current student-athletes connect in such a meaningful way reinforces the strength of the Pride family."

The symposium opened with a panel discussion on how the student-athlete experience prepares college athletes for success in their professional careers by emphasizing the power of being a a female student-athlete. The discussion between doctoral candidate at the University of Albany Elaine Anton-Lotruglio, Goldman Sachs Board Director and Advisor Michele Docharty, and Harvard University Director of Athletics Erin McDermott was moderated by Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance, Diversity, and Inclusion/Senior Woman Administrator Alyssa Morales Kelly.
 
Women of the Pride attendees had the opportunity to learn from and network with peers and alumnae speakers during breakout sessions focused on business and career development and sports performance and growth. Speakers covered the following topics and prepared attendees for success in navigating their current and future lives: transitioning from student-athlete to business professional; building a personal brand; the power of pivoting in your career and staying connected to athletics; practical strategies for discipline, mental resilience, and building a championship mindset; and fueling your body for training, recovery, and long-term health.

"The symposium highlighted the best of Hofstra's student-athletes," said Poser. "These young women are outstanding athletes who, while excelling in their D-1 careers, fully understand the need to simultaneously consider life after college. The presentations demonstrated that the lessons they are learning in college athletics, particularly teamwork and leadership, seamlessly translate into success in whatever their future holds."

The event concluded with a conversation between Healy and President Poser, discussing Dr. Poser's life, career in higher education, and giving advice for attendees to implement in their careers as female leaders.
 
"What a day! Being part of the first WOTP advisory committee was such fun and Millie and her team were extraordinary. Big picture, Millie was simply a rock star," said Trish Healy. "The opportunity to interview Dr. Poser was a real honor and her transparency was so refreshing! I also have so much gratitude to the alumnae who participated and Hofstra Athletics for rallying behind this idea, and respect for Hofstra's dedication to student centric programming."

"I wanted to bring all the female athletes, staff, and alumnae back to inspire the room," shared Davies. "Who better to learn from than the women who have been in our shoes? The amazing speakers made me realize how special it is to be a student-athlete and to be present in our journey. We gain so many important skills like discipline, time management, and teamwork that we can carry with us long after college."

Millie went on to say, "One of my biggest takeaways was to realize that we're not alone in this journey. As long as you have a strong foundation and support system around you, you'll be just fine."

Educational Workshops:
Athletes as Leaders in Business with Emily Corzel (women's lacrosse, 2014), managing director at Jeffries, moderated by Head Field Hockey Coach Hillary Fitts
Building Your Personal Brand with Erin Magee (women's soccer, 2003), founder of MadeMe, moderated by Associate Head Softball Coach Nikki Amodeo
Beyond the Game: Life After College Sports with Elizabeth O'Brien (women's soccer/women's basketball, 2000), senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation, moderated by Head Volleyball Coach Emily Mansur
Pro Mentality — That One Percent with Lauren Brozoski (women's basketball, 2019), New York State court officer, moderated by Head Women's Basketball Coach Danielle Santos Atkinson
The Mental Game with Elaine Anton-Lotruglio (women's lacrosse, 1990), doctoral candidate, School of Social Welfare, College of Integrated Health Sciences, University at Albany, moderated by Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Shannon Smith
Nutrition for Peak Performance with Alex Quinn (women's lacrosse, 2014), physician assistant at NYU Langone, moderated by Assistant Women's Soccer Coach Kelsey Hauser
Women of the Pride Advisory Committee Members:
Chair - Millie Davies (women's soccer)
Staff Committee - Kelsey Hauser, Trish Healy, Jessica Kalbfleisch, Alyssa Morales Kelly, Mackenzie Taylor
Student-Athlete Committee - Sadie Anderson (women's golf), Tori Bien (women's cross country and track), Beatriz Braga (volleyball), Christine Dannenfelser (women's lacrosse), Abigail Higgins (women's tennis), Ava Lanfredi (women's soccer), Kelly Levengood (field hockey), Emma Von Essen (women's basketball), Chelsea Villar (softball)