Female Leadership and Role Models - Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2024

Merce Sanchez Oller, Athletics Female Captain 2022/23 

“There is a place for all women in sports, regardless of skill level, background, or physical ability,” says Merce. As Captain of the Athletics Club, she aimed to create a welcoming environment for all students. Volunteering has been incredibly rewarding for her, particularly in seeing new members thrive within the sports community. 

Rita Garcia, Basketball Club President 2024/25 

For Rita, basketball offers not only a way to relieve stress but also a welcome break from academic pressures. “I got involved in volunteering with basketball because there’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing hard work pay off and knowing it’s making a positive difference,” she says. 

Rita encourages other female students to get involved in sports for the personal growth it provides: “It’s a fantastic way to build confidence and develop important life skills whilst playing the sport you love. Volunteering has given me a huge sense of accomplishment and has helped me grow personally, as well as form lasting friendships.” 

Elizabeth Muse, Handball Club President 2023/24 

Elizabeth is passionate about the teamwork and tactical skills that handball requires. She chose to volunteer because she wanted to give back to the sport that had given her so much. 

“There is a gender gap in sports participation, especially between girls and boys,” Elizabeth notes. “By seeing women in sport, particularly in leadership roles, we can encourage more women and girls to get involved and feel welcomed.” Reinforcing the message of the importance of female representation in sport. 

Minghui appreciates how sport fosters a sense of community. As a volunteer, her goal is to share the joy of sport with other and help them form friendships, just as she did when she first joined. 

She encourages other women to volunteer in sport, “Getting involved in sport is so much more than just staying active—it’s about becoming part of a vibrant community that celebrates teamwork, growth, and achievement.” 

“Getting involved in sport is about so much more than just staying active—it’s about becoming part of a vibrant community that celebrates teamwork, growth, and achievement,” she says. 

Liv Stevens, Netball Club Captain 2024/25 

For Liv, netball has always been beneficial for her mental health, and she wanted to give back to her club by volunteering. " I love the team aspect of netball- I have made some of my best friends playing and I love how we are always there for each other, on and off the court." 

She believes volunteering provides a helpful distraction from academic pressures while also teaching leadership skills that will be invaluable beyond university.