Hannah Greene | Sports Editor
October marks the month of breast cancer awareness, a perfect time to recognize womxn athletes who have achieved great feats and continue to pave the way for upcoming generations. Below are athletes from our very own state, as well as recognized womxn who have fought cancer battles and come back better than ever.
Liz Brenner, a five-sport athlete from the University of Oregon, broke multiple roofs for womxn. While at the University of Oregon Brenner competed in; volleyball, basketball, softball, and multiple events in track and field. Brenner shows true power and strength — what it takes to be a veracious athlete. Brenner is a true heroine for young womxn and men across the state of Oregon and beyond.
Shoni Schimmel, a WNBA All-Star, who’s now a free agent and college coach. A first round draft pick out of college and a top model to people everywhere — especially to Native American girl basketball players — Schimmel is my next pick. Schimmel continues to push womxn sports forward whether through coaching or through bringing recognition to Native Americans. She was raised on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation here in Oregon.
Karen Newman, a world-class athlete in her 50’s, has battled cancer twice. Newman has been competing and beating womxn half her age — all after having, fighting and surviving breast cancer. After being diagnosed, she had many different meetings with doctors until she found one that would allow her to continue training while going through chemotherapy. She proved that no one ever has to stop chasing their dreams — a truly inspiring woman.
Novlene Williams-Mills, a track athlete from Jamaica who fought breast cancer and continues to promote body positivity. Williams-Mills is a three-time bronze medalist who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and made a comeback in 2013, winning the 400 metres qualifying for the World Championships in Moscow. Novlene Williams-Mills is a womxn that shows cancer isn’t the end.
Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu
Photo courtesy of goducks.com
Photo courtesy of iaaf.org
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Photo courtesy of thekarennewman.com
