GUELPH – The female varsity athletes on the University of Guelph campus are renowned for their achievements. In the 2017/18 season alone, every single women's team has qualified for playoff competition. It's a program that is the envy of many institutions across Canada – and it just received a tremendous boost at the school's annual women's fundraising gala held last Saturday at Cutten Fields.
 
She's Got Game will impact the Gryphon women's varsity program for years to come. Over $25,000 was raised for scholarships and to support women's programs that evening but beyond that, University of Guelph provost Charlotte Yates committed $225,000 over the next three years to go into the scholarship pool for current and future female Gryphons.
 
"I would call it an historical night," said Athletic Director Scott McRoberts. "The fact that we raised $25,000 and the announcement from the Provost, which is the first of its kind, shows we are on the right path, with the right people."

 
Carly Zanatta is an example of the kind student-athlete who stands to benefit. Zanatta understands the inherent struggles that come with being a female in sport. The fourth-year Gryphon rowing star from Fort Erie, ON has had to put in an incredible amount of work to strike a balance between being a successful varsity athlete and a Food Science student at the U of G. Zanatta was in similar company when she spoke to the assembled crowd of almost 170 people last Saturday.
 
The decorated Gryphon, a multiple medal winner at both the OUA and CURA levels, attended the third annual fundraiser for her first time. She was in awe of what she saw – and the people she met.
 
"It was an amazing experience," Zanatta said of gathering with her Gryphon sisters to recognize the university's women's program. "Being a female athlete, you have to overcome so many obstacles. But I think that can bring us together. And that's what we did at She's Got Game – we came together to show our support for each other.
 
"Even though we're on different sports teams and don't always interact in everyday life, we all share something in common. We all have that same drive, and we're all there to celebrate it."
 
Dr. Julia Christensen Hughes, Dean of the College of Business & Economics at the University of Guelph, emceed the event and was struck by the collection of guests and corporate sponsors, all of whom understand the power sport possesses to transform.
 
"As a business school dean, I am particularly proud of our female athletes, for their discipline, tenacity, teamwork and leadership," said Dr. Christensen Hughes. "They demonstrate real grit – physical and mental toughness. These are skills that are in high demand in organizations and management careers of all kinds."
 
The room at the Cutten Fields was brimming with energy – and there was no shortage of inspiration. Much of that came from Olympian and keynote speaker Melissa Bishop. The decorated middle distance star has won gold in the 800m event at the Pan American Games and represented Canada at the Rio Summer Olympics in 2016. But her story of work and sacrifice is what resonated with those in attendance.
 
"Melissa's speech was so inspirational," Zanatta said with emotion still in her voice. "It was indescribable and the reaction to what she said was so positive.

"She gave up so much in high school, things like doing homework in the back of a van as her parents drove her to compete. It touches your heart. And it just shows you the sacrifice it takes to be at the level that she's at. If you want to be like her, that's what it takes."
 
Zanatta acknowledged that the hurdles for women in sports still exist and that athletes still don't get the attention they deserve. But fundraisers like Saturday's can impart change.
 
"She's Got Game is such an empowering event for women," Zanatta said. "The scholarships are incredibly important because it gives them the confidence and support that enables them to succeed in their sports."
 
The Gryphon rower left the event enriched – especially because of the new friends she made.
 
"All the girls were so nice, so wonderful," she said. "I wish I could have that experience more in my life."