From the Sidelines to a Doctorate: Support the Next Generation of Leaders
 
"I didn't even know what soccer was called at the time. I just knew the girls were having fun and cheering for each other."
 
We all remember that spark. It is the moment a young girl looks at a field and sees her future. For Paloma Swankler, that moment happened at age five. Today, as we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we celebrate the woman that little girl became through her journey at RMU.
 
The Grind and the Gratitude
Paloma's path was not just about the highlights. It was about the grueling off-season lifts and the mental toll of the spring grind. As a two-time Team Captain on the RMU Women's soccer team, Paloma embraced the hard days with a simple rule: "The way you do anything is the way you do everything."
 
She proved this by excelling in every arena:

• On the Field: A Horizon League All-League Second Team selection.
• In the Classroom: A 2x Academic All-District standout now pursuing a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
• Through Leadership: Serving as the Vice President of Operations for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In this role, Paloma acted as a vital link between athletes and university administration, while spearheading community projects and special events.

Building a Legacy Together
At RMU, your support helps our women excel far beyond the final whistle. Paloma saw the program evolve from only six televised games her freshman year to full ESPN coverage her senior year.
"That speaks volumes about the financial support from donors," she says. "I am leaving the program in a better place than I found it."
 
How You Can Help
Your donation is the fuel for this progress. It provides the resources that enable our athletes to overcome hardships and emerge as stronger women, community advocates, and healthcare professionals.
 
"I owe it to my younger self to be grateful for everything the student-athlete experience has to offer."
 
Will you join us? Help us support the next generation of leaders like Paloma by donating today.