On Oct. 17 and 18, Winona State University celebrated 50 Years of Women’s Athletics. With a weekend full of Warrior pride, love and support for all things women’s athletics, the event went perfectly.
“As a past Warrior on Winona State’s dance team, I feel empowered by the celebration of women and women’s sports last weekend,” junior at Winona State, Afton Heidemann stated. “Even though I stopped dancing, I feel empowered and strong from this celebration.”
Marketed for more than a month, Winona State’s 50 Years of Women’s Athletics Celebration reached full capacity to celebrate our Warrior women ranging from the past half century to the present seasons in 2025. The event was open to all people associated with Winona State’s women’s athletics. Whether past coaches, players, athletic trainers, parents, supporters and all that fell in between. The event also opened to the community.
Marking the opening of the celebration on October 17th, Women’s soccer kicked off the weekend playing against the St. Cloud State’s Huskies followed by the Soccer Alumni reunion. Although our Warriors fell short against the Huskies, our Warriors modeled all the characteristics of the celebrated women’s athletics: grit, strength, and, of course, sportsmanship.
The following day of the celebratory weekend was packed with games, matches, and reunions. Women’s volleyball started the afternoon by battling against the St. Cloud State. Following the game and Winona State’s game day experience, the Warrior Walk was led by all-female athletes.
Changing gears and heading to the Winona Tennis Center, Women’s tennis battled against Roosevelt University. Junior from Kenosha, Wisconsin, Lainy Ristau, dominated the first singles match with 6-3 and 6-1 victories against Roosevelt.
Of course, going hand-in-hand with the volleyball and tennis matches, the weekend was full of reunions. Women’s volleyball, women’s gymnastics and women’s Track & Field/Cross Country all had alumni reunions. These current Warrior athletes strengthened their bonds with their teammates, both past and present, during these reunions.
Above all, the 50 Years of Women’s Athletics Celebration was a weekend not only full competition but empowerment for our unstoppable warriors. The community celebration of Women’s athletics was a weekend of inspiration for our student-athletes wearing purple and white to have the best Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) seasons possible.
