There's no denying the impact Ashland University fifth-year-to-be thrower
Molly Winner has had on the Eagle women's track and field program – seven NCAA Division II All-American honors (three second-place nationals finishes), two College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America citations and numerous Great Midwest Athletic Conference honors.
But in late July, Winner sought to extend that off the fields of competition. On July 22-24, she was one of more than 150 student-athletes across the country to participate in the Team IMPACT Fellowship Summit at Boston University.
"I had been on our leadership team for the track team's Team IMPACT member, and I was really enjoying it," said Winner, who graduated in May as a Primary Grades/Intervention Dual Education major.
Team IMPACT matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone involved.
The Team IMPACT Fellowship Summit is the organization's premier annual leadership and professional development experience, bringing together Fellows from colleges and universities nationwide. Through interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and leadership-focused programming, the Summit deepens Fellows' understanding of Team IMPACT's mission, strengthens their ability to serve as ambassadors on their campuses, and fosters a community of student-athletes committed to service, inclusion, and impact. The experience equips Fellows with the skills and connections needed to create meaningful change during their collegiate careers and beyond.
Winner said
Elizabeth Hoge, AU's Assistant Athletic Director / Senior Woman Administrator / Director of Academic Support Services for Athletics, sent an email about the fellowship summit – and Winner jumped at the chance.
"I end up applying, went through the process, got an interview and was accepted, which was really exciting," she said.
Said Hoge, "I was very excited and thrilled for Molly when I learned she was able to participate in the fellowship with Team IMPACT. We have had several opportunities the last few years to work with Team IMPACT, and it has been a very positive experience for our student-athletes.
"Molly has been working with a child from Team IMPACT for the last year, and I have seen how much joy it brings her and the team by working with him. I look forward to working with Molly and seeing how we can continue to expand our relationship with Team IMPACT and the community."
The summit featured panels with NCAA personnel, local campus champions for Team IMPACT, networking between student-athletes, and discussing goals and what the student-athletes will do once back on campus.
And Winner has ideas.
"Something that I talked about with Elizabeth is raising awareness," she said, and that includes reaching out to local schools. "My goal is to raise more awareness…and get kids signed up."
Winner says working with Team IMPACT indeed is a life-changing experience for the children in the program.
"I would say that Team IMPACT is something that helps you excel off the field, off the course," she said. "It gives your team a sense of connection."
As for Winner's upcoming indoor and outdoor track and field seasons, the first thing that came to mind was enjoying her final collegiate campaigns.
"Just having fun," she said. "Being able to focus in on my sport a little bit more. I've done so many amazing things, that I hope this trend continues."
She did mention being a mentor to incoming freshmen, as well – but also striving for both individual and team D-II championships.
"That's not always a given, so this year, focusing on performance, yes, but knowing I competed to the best of my abilities," Winner said. "I would expect our team to be up there on a national level."
