Launching the Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership

Central Catholic High School is excited to launch the Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership – an exciting new initiative to encourage strong, powerful women through athletics.

The Center was established in collaboration with CCHS Raider alumna Mrs. Olivia (Imprescia '14) Burger, an alumna scholar and student-athlete at Central Catholic who has made a generous investment to establish a program to help uplift other female student-athletes.

"When I found myself in a position to give back, my mind went right to Central Catholic," said Olivia.

"While at Central, I was involved as a student-athlete and in Campus Ministry, and I attribute where I am now to my CCHS experience. It changed my life and if I hadn’t attended Central, I am not sure where I would be today."

The goal of the Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership is based on three pillars: 

Family (Networking & Mentoring)

Strive to build a community that offers networking and mentoring opportunities. Participants will form bonds and relationships that will be personally and professionally rewarding as they move through life and build upon the Raider legacy of success, service, and excellence.

Leadership (Development & Empowerment)

Strive to build confidence and leadership skills within our female students and student-athletes. Seminars and workshops will empower students to succeed personally and to make an impact on the world while embracing the Marist ideals of humility, kindness, and integrity.

Equity (A Level Playing Field)

Strive to provide equal opportunities for our female-student athletes and put them in a situation to compete and excel on a level playing field. Guided by a sense of fair play and equity, we will reinforce the self-worth and significant potential of each student by recognizing their efforts and providing the resources they need to succeed.

"Through this initiative, I hope to make the experience for female student-athletes even better than my own experience," said Olivia. "I was fortunate to have great coaches at CCHS and I want to help current female student-athletes become great leaders, have the ability to focus on mental and physical health, and be the best teammates, and best leaders and employees in the future.”

An additional program through the Imprescia Center is the "SHE WILL" Fund, which through a series of workshops, seminars and networking events, will help provide CCHS female student-athletes the qualities and skills needed to succeed in sport and life as they develop into strong, female leaders.

The Fund has already brought a special presentation to campus focusing on life coaching approaches for female student-athletes.

Life Coaching for the Female Student-Athlete

Thursday, November 16, 2023 - Allan B. Rogers Memorial Theater

Presented by Kortney Yasenka of Yasenka Counseling & Coaching

Click here to view and download photos on SmugMug.

 

The Center also aims to support a more active young alumni connection, where current female-athletes can interact with those who have recently gone on to be successful in a variety of sports and professional fields.

"We are so very grateful to Olivia, who has lent her generous support to help Central Catholic launch the Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership,” said Christopher Sullivan '81, CCHS President.

"This Center isn't just about breaking barriers; it's about shattering ceilings, smashing stereotypes, and amplifying the voices of our female athletes and leaders. The goal of this initiative is to empower, inspire, and pave the way for a future where every female knows she belongs on the field, in the boardroom, and at the helm of her own destiny."

Kick-Off & Networking Barbecue

On May 15, 2024, CCHS will be hosting a Kick-Off & Networking Barbecue for the Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership. Alumnae student-athletes are invited to return to campus to cheer on the Raider Softball and Raider Girls Lacrosse Teams, meet current female student-athletes and leaders, network with fellow alumnae, and learn more about the Imprescia Center and the She Will Fund.

Complete the Alumni Update Form and indicate your interest in the Imprescia Center.

The Imprescia Center for Female Sports Leadership