OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) raised $115,000 for Flames Athletics during the annual Ignite the Flame fundraising luncheon on April 16.
In its fourth year, the fundraiser supports women’s athletics, showcases the achievements of CSM’s Flames athletes and honors a trailblazer in women’s sports.
John Cook, co-owner and general manager of the Omaha Supernovas and former head volleyball coach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, was honored with the Ignite the Flame Community Impact Award.
“This award is a meaningful recognition of leaders who have empowered girls and women through athletics, understanding how sports build confidence, foster leadership and open doors to opportunity,” Shay said.
After receiving the award, Cook shared insight about women’s sports during a talk with Ana Bellinghausen, digital director at Hurrdat Sports and the event’s emcee.
“Today is about breaking barriers, creating new possibilities and lifting up women who inspire us, all while celebrating the trailblazers who came before,” Bellinghausen said. “Athletics build strong women. Role models for women in sports matter so much and that’s what you’re here supporting today.”
Carolyna Truong, a Bachelor of Science in Biology major and member of the tennis team, gave the invocation, Elen Pruett, a Bachelor of Science in Biology major and volleyball player, was the student speaker, and Mikaiya Rodgers, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing major and track and field athlete, was the highlighted student-athlete.
“To me, ‘Ignite the Flame’ means finding something that drives you and having people around you who help keep that fire going, even on days it feels like it’s burning low,” Pruett said. “So, thank you for giving us the opportunity to grow, to compete and to become the best versions of ourselves.”
CSM President Heather Smith gave the closing remarks. Deb Denbeck, president of Partnership 4 Kids and former CSM softball and volleyball coach, will be the honorary chair.
CSM has 12 varsity sports teams, basketball, bowling, cross country, dance, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball.