The 27th annual Snell-Shillingford Symposium, hosted by the Centennial Conference, brought together student-athletes, coaches, and administrators from across the conference for two days of leadership development and dialogue. Held January 24 – 25, 2026, at Haverford College, the symposium continued its longstanding mission of empowering women in athletics by fostering mentorship, representation, and meaningful conversations about the future of leadership in sport.
Among the attendees were three Bryn Mawr College student-athletes: field hockey player Camille Heynen '27, track & field student-athlete Molly Fancher '27, and tennis player Carina Roberts '28. Heynen viewed the experience as both affirming and transformative. She said she was drawn to the symposium because it offered a meaningful opportunity to engage with and learn from women in athletics. As a student-athlete aspiring to pursue a career in sports, she is deeply interested in leadership development and the evolving landscape of women in athletics.
"The symposium exceeded my expectations," Heynen shared. "I was able to connect with fellow Centennial Conference student-athletes, engage in thoughtful discussions, and gain a clearer understanding of what authentic leadership looks like within athletics."
Throughout the weekend, speakers emphasized the importance of confidence, resilience, and mutual support in competitive environments. For Heynen, the event created a rare and valuable space for honest dialogue about navigating athletics and leadership as women.
"The symposium is incredibly beneficial to student-athletes because it creates a space for mentorship, representation, and honest conversation," she said. "Hearing from female leaders was both empowering and motivating."
One of the most impactful sessions for Heynen was led by Anna Goorevich of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota. Goorevich presented research highlighting areas within athletics that remain underfunded and underrepresented, particularly studies centered on female bodies and women's lived experiences in sport.
Heynen was especially interested in the data surrounding women coaching girls' and women's teams. "Her research clearly showed the impact that female leadership can have on athletes," Heynen noted. She appreciated how Goorevich's work blends research and advocacy, using data to push for structural change within athletic spaces.
The presentation reinforced Heynen's desire to remain involved in athletics beyond her playing career, contributing to environments that support and empower female athletes.
Camille Heynen '27
Field Hockey
"It was inspiring to exchange ideas and recognize the shared commitment we all have to strengthening the role of women in athletics."
Beyond the keynote sessions, Heynen said one of her favorite aspects of the symposium was connecting with fellow Centennial Conference student-athletes. Despite competing against one another during the season, participants found common ground through shared experiences and aspirations.
"The conversations felt open and encouraging," she said. "It was inspiring to exchange ideas and recognize the shared commitment we all have to strengthening the role of women in athletics."
By the conclusion of the two-day event, Heynen described feeling inspired not only by the speakers but also by her peers. She would strongly recommend the Snell-Shillingford Symposium to other student-athletes, citing its unique ability to foster professional growth and self-reflection.
"It provides a unique opportunity to learn from experienced leaders, expand professional networks, and reflect on growth within athletics," Heynen said. "The event not only inspires confidence but also encourages student-athletes to envision long-term futures in sports — whether in leadership, advocacy, administration, or beyond."
Through research-driven discussion, mentorship, and peer connection, the symposium once again demonstrated its impact — equipping the next generation of women leaders in athletics with both inspiration and tangible tools for change.
Turning Inspiration into Action: Apple Day
Each year, symposium participants meet with a campus mentor to develop a "takeaway" — an initiative they can bring back to their institutions to extend the impact of the experience. This year, Bryn Mawr’s student-athletes worked alongside Lauren Gusikoff, director of athletic communications, who served as their campus mentor throughout the symposium. Together, they reflected on the weekend's themes of leadership, legacy, and advocacy.
For Bryn Mawr's delegation, that takeaway quickly took shape as both a celebration and a call to action.
In developing a fresh idea for the 2026 Bryn Mawr Athletics Giving Challenge, Interim Director of Athletics Katie Tarr looked to the history of women's sports for inspiration — specifically to a pioneer with ties to Bryn Mawr: Constance Applebee, Bryn Mawr's first athletics director.
"While attending the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame event, the theme focused on pioneers of the sport and highlighted Constance Applebee and her contributions to field hockey," Tarr said. "One of the speakers, a former Penn State field hockey coach, talked about celebrating 'Apple Day' with her team. I loved the idea and immediately thought about how meaningful it would be to bring a similar celebration to Bryn Mawr Athletics."
Applebee is widely credited with introducing and popularizing field hockey in the United States in the early 20th century, leaving a lasting mark not only on Bryn Mawr as the college's first athletics director but on the landscape of women's athletics nationwide. For Tarr, honoring that legacy aligns naturally with Bryn Mawr's values.
"As a professional, I value mentorship and recognition of the pioneers of women's sports," Tarr explained. "Apple Day gives our student-athletes the opportunity to learn about and celebrate Applebee's accomplishments — not just in field hockey, but in advancing opportunities for women in sport overall."
After connecting with the Office of Alumnae/i Relations and Development (ARD), the concept began to take shape. Just days later, while attending the Snell-Shillingford Symposium, Tarr heard Amy Wilson, NCAA Vice President of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity, challenge attendees to learn about and elevate the pioneers of women's sports on their own campuses.
"That challenge really resonated," Tarr said. "Our Bryn Mawr student-athletes were energized by the idea of honoring someone who helped pave the way for the opportunities they have today. They were excited to work together to develop the first Apple Day."
As their official symposium takeaway, Bryn Mawr's participants committed to joining the Apple Day planning committee and organizing a spirited competition for their fellow student-athletes during halftime of the lacrosse game on Wednesday, March 25. The event will combine education, celebration, and friendly rivalry — all centered on Applebee's enduring legacy. The tennis team will also kick off its spring season at home during Apple Day.
Apple Day will coincide with the 2026 Bryn Mawr Athletics Apple Giving Challenge, running from Monday, March 9, through March 27, further connecting past pioneers with present-day support for future generations of Owls.