SAN DIEGO – San Diego State Athletics recently hosted the SDSU Athletics Women’s Fund Luncheon. The celebration brought together student-athletes, coaches, and donors to elevate the women of SDSU athletics, and shine a spotlight on their contributions.
The fund launched in 2022 champions equity, opportunity, and advancement across all women’s Division I programs. This event reflects the fund’s growing impact while highlighting three exceptional award recipients whose contributions and leadership have boosted SDSU women’s athletics.
In the powerful words of student-athlete Alyssa Schiller, “surround yourself with extraordinary people” was the resounding message of this motivational afternoon. This quote embodies the room full of ambitious student-athletes, impactful coaches, and passionate supporters who continue to uplift and inspire one another. From Schiller and Teja Tirunelveli providing a look into the student-athlete experience to lacrosse head coach Kylee White’s emphasis on investment in the each individual and donor Kristen Harris' example of how one yes can leave an impact, each speaker offered a unique perspective on what it means to be surrounded by extraordinary people. Their messages served as a reminder that greatness is achieved alongside the people we choose to have in our lives and the opportunities we embrace.
As the Aztec Impact on Women in Sports Award recipient, Head Lacrosse Coach Kylee White spotlights women's athletics via accomplishment, leadership, and mentoring. Given to a representative of SDSU who has provided significant contributions to the advancement of women through sports.
White, who is a member of the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame, has coached at SDSU for 16 seasons. She has won two conference championships and coached numerous all-conference honorees. She also serves as the assistant coach for the 2026 Team Canada Women’s National Field Lacrosse Team. Beyond her record of success, White is known for her culture rooted in gratitude, strong relationships, and fun.
Carys Hopkins, the president of the SDSU Women in Sports student organization, was honored with the SDSU Athletics Women’s Fund Rising Star award for her leadership, initiative, and lasting impact throughout SDSU Athletics. Given to a student who exemplifies professional growth and demonstrates an exceptional commitment to positively impacting SDSU Athletics.
Building her portfolio of work in athletics, as just a junior, Hopkins has already left a positive impact on SDSU Athletics through her efforts in marketing, ticketing, championships and people & culture.
The Flaming Family received the SDSU Athletics Women’s Fund CHAMPION award. Presented to a donor to the Women’s Fund who has provided substantial support. With a nudge from the powerful women in his life, Art Flaming provided the largest gift in fund history, a $200,000 endowment.
President of Tierra Corporation and daughter of Flaming, Kristen Harris spoke about her parents, Art and Gwen Flaming, modeling a love for SDSU and a commitment to philanthropy. Harris acknowledged the joy she felt interacting with the SDSU student-athletes and it drove her desire to support their leadership growth through the SDSU Athletics Women’s Fund.
Please consider making a gift to the San Diego State Women's Fund. to celebrate our female student-athletes' accomplishments and to position the Aztecs for even greater success in women's sports in the years ahead. For more information, visit the Women's Fund Webpage and make a gift today.
San Diego State Hosts Successful Athletics Women's Fund Luncheon
The celebration brought together student-athletes, coaches, and donors to elevate the women of SDSU athletics, and shine a spotlight on their contributions.
