Carli Lloyd brought inspiration and star power to UWS on April 8 as the featured speaker for the third annual Women in Leadership event.
Hosted by UWS, Yellowjacket Athletics and Cenovus Energy-Superior Refinery, the
event attracted student-athletes, alumni and community members for an evening focused on leadership and growth.
The program featured a moderated discussion on Lloyd’s decorated career and the mindset behind her success, followed by a meet-and-greet. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion reflected on perseverance, leadership and the lessons that continue to shape her.
The event’s impact extended beyond campus. For Niya Wilson, a UWS soccer alum and current athletics business and compliance manager, the broad turnout stood out.
“It was super cool to be able to get her in the doors here and speak to the student athletes,
the alumni, anybody who’s interested,” Wilson said, “Not only did it benefit us, but it benefited the community.”
Wilson said the presence of younger athletes made the experience especially meaningful,
recalling one girl taking notes during the discussion. Moments like that show how events like this can shape the next generation.
Dor Liberty Dickerson, a senior soccer player who recently completed her collegiate career, this was a monumental experience. A longtime Lloyd fan, Dickerson attended the event wearing a jersey she purchased at the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
“I remember watching Carli Lloyd and I just fell in love with her…she’s continuously
been my favorite player,” Dickerson said, “Being in the same room as her just felt crazy.” Dickerson described meeting Lloyd as a full-circle moment after looking up to her for years.
“It just felt so full-circle to be almost done with college and meeting my hero who really
has inspired me to not just to play soccer, but to move on to that next level because of her work ethic and dedication to the sport,” she said.
Both Wilson and Dickerson emphasized UWS’ commitment to supporting and
representing women in sports.
“I think it’s super empowering the way our athletics department handles integration of women in leadership, women in sport and just chooses to educate and expand upon that space,” Wilson said, “It’s inspirational for sure and something that has impacted me on a personal level.”
Dickerson echoed that sentiment, noting the difference she has experienced compared to other programs.
“I’ve been at some other spaces where, maybe women’s sports was secondary, but here it really feels equal,” she said, “I’m really proud to be at a place where this is something that they support.”
Lloyd’s visit left a lasting impression on those in attendance, reinforcing the impact of
