Former student-athletes from Columbia University and Barnard College recently gathered for the Beyond the Game event at Barnard, discussing the transformative power of sports and the importance of community support. Panelists, including Columbia’s head women’s soccer coach Tracey Bartholomew and Google’s global product lead Trudi Patrick, shared stories of overcoming challenges and finding resilience through athletics. Bartholomew emphasized the need for camaraderie and a safe environment within teams to support mental health, while Patrick highlighted the parallels between her collegiate athletic experience and her professional career.
Lauren Dwyer, a former Columbia women’s basketball player now serving as the senior director of growth & innovation at the WNBA, reminisced about the bond formed with her teammates during challenging times, emphasizing the importance of finding purpose and supporting others. Moderator Stef Manisero underscored the significance of the mind-body connection in fostering resilience, encapsulating the theme of the event: “Building Communities of Care: Supporting Resilience in Women Athletes.” Read more