Day at the Races Photo Gallery

The first annual LMU Women in Athletics Day at the Races, held on October 19 at Santa Anita Race Track, was a huge success, drawing more than 75 attendees and raising funds for the LMU women's basketball, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball teams. The list of attendees ranged from alums and donors to grandparents and faculty.

According to Emily Ben-Jumbo, a senior co-captain for the LMU women's basketball team, "The day at the races was a great experience. To see people coming together to support women in athletics was phenomenal. I am so proud of our teams, coaches, supporters, and fans. We wouldn't be the women we are today without them."

The day began with a lunch reception at Santa Anita Race Track before Maria Behm, Associate Athletic Director at LMU, gave a welcome address. Dr. Karen Huchting, an LMU professor, alumna (2000) and former soccer player, served as the event's keynote speaker.

In addition to the lunch buffet and races, attendees were also given a private tour of the paddock and had the opportunity to meet and greet with celebrity racing host, Christina Blacker, and American Thoroughbred horse jockey, Aaron Gryder. Gryder has competed in two Breeders' Cups and three Kentucky Derbies.

"We had such a great inaugural `Day at the Races' on Sunday," LMU women's head basketball coach Charity Elliott said. "It was a beautiful location, and there was fantastic weather and tremendous excitement from everyone for LMU women's athletics! We are so grateful for everyone who came out to support our teams, and I can't wait for next year."