Under Armour and Luminary Announce New UMD Women Athletes Leadership Program

The University of Maryland is partnering with Under Armour and Luminary to create and start a new UMD Women Athletes Leadership Program. 

The first-of-its-kind initiative will look to prevent struggles student-athletes often face when transitioning from competitive sports to their careers, moving from the field to the office.

“At Maryland, we are committed to preparing our women student-athletes not only for competition, but also for the next chapters of their lives," Jim Smith, Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics at Maryland said. "This revolutionary partnership with Under Armour and Luminary will give them access to mentorship, professional development, and a network of leaders who can guide their transition from the field to their careers. We are proud to support a program that invests in their futures and showcases the power of women’s leadership.”

The one-year program will use professional development programs, mentoring, career pathing, and other talent investment strategies to intentionally build a pipeline of women leaders in the traditional workforce and entrepreneurship and create a lifetime of brand affinity for Under Armour as a leader in supporting women.

“I am excited to join the UMD Women’s Athlete Leadership Program because I see it as a unique opportunity to grow as an athlete, professional, leader, and, most importantly, as a person,” said women's tennis senior Tamari Gagoshidze. "As a senior, I want to make the most of my final year by participating in every opportunity the university offers. I want to connect not only with experts who will guide us during this amazing journey, but also get closer to my peers. I know the relationships I build during my college years will continue to shape and support me long after graduation. Moreover, I hope to strengthen my communication and leadership skills so I can help my team, while also gaining confidence and professional skills that will benefit me in my career.

Luminary is a first-of-its-kind, gender inclusive, global professional education and networking platform created to address the systemic challenges impacting women and their allies across all industries and sectors.

“I think that supporting women collegiate athletes with opportunities around professional development is really crucial for several reasons, particularly in fostering equality and expanding their ecosystem of opportunities, but also promoting long term success beyond their athletic careers,” Cate Luzio '97, founder and CEO of Luminary and Maryland alumnus, said. “Given my experience as a Terp alumni and watching the evolution of Maryland Athletics. And also knowing how many women are included in collegiate sports today, this was a no brainer.”

Part of the year-long program will partner the student-athletes with a peer-coaching cohort journey with Luminary Crus.

“The majority of collegiate athletes, in particular, women, will eventually transition out of sports,” Luzio said. “So, supporting women on campus and as they transition into whatever comes next, whether it's in athletics or not, is really important to ensure they have a successful post-athletic or college-athletic career.”

The program will also include three virtual leadership development workshops, a one-year digital Luminary membership for each participant, two in-person celebrations on the Under Armour campus and a lifetime of networking and connections.

“Given Maryland’s both academic and athletic prowess, this was just a natural partnership with Under Armour to support,” Luzio said. “Plus, Under Armour has been on Maryland's campus since the beginning of under armor, and that's when I was there. I want to work with organizations that are aligned with not only our mission, but the goal of the program.”

Under Armour has been a long-time supporter of Maryland Athletics and will be supplying the athletes with swag boxes and giving them access to the UA employee college-to-career progression path, which aims to broaden understanding of opportunities across business opportunities. 

“Under Armour is excited to join forces with Luminary and the University of Maryland to uplift and empower women student-athletes," said Craig Cummings, Vice-President of Under Armour's Team Division. "This program is all about unlocking potential, building confidence, and shaping leaders who will make an impact far beyond their time on the field.”

The UMD Women Athletes Leadership Program is the first of its kind as Maryland continues to trailblaze the futures of its student-athletes. 

“I think having it start on campus at Maryland shows not just the commitment, but the support that Maryland Athletics provides to their athletes,” Luzio said. “I’m pumped this is happening at the place that molded me and that meant so much to me. It’s like coming home and I’m excited to better prepare female student-athletes for life.”

2025-26 UMD Women Athletes Leadership Program Cohort

Tolu Akinduro, Track & Field
Simisola Balogun, Track & Field
Logan Buckmon, Gymnastics
Aida Eissa, Tennis
Tamari Gagoshidze, Tennis
Julia Garcia, Women’s Golf
Josie Hollamon, Field Hockey
Nicha Kanpai, Women’s Golf
Lauren LaPointe, Women’s Lacrosse
Madelena Marshall, Women'Lacrosse
Ava McKennie, Women’s Basketball
Mir McLean, Women’s Basketball
Katrina Mendez Abolnik, Gymnastics
Eva Mowery, Women’s Soccer
Bailey Murphy, Softball
Neve O'Ferrall, Women’s Lacrosse
Evelyn Rogers, Cross Country
Caroline Ross, Women’s Lacrosse
Maddy Sterling, Women’s Lacrosse
Maya Valmon, Track & Field
Evelyn VanZwieten , Track & Field
Sammi Woods, Softball