Building On Year One: 2026-27 Cohort Selected For Under Armour X Luminary Women’s Leadership Program
Introducing the 22-member cohort of a powerful three-fold partnership dedicated to empowering female student-athletes.
Brady Ruth, Staff Writer
9/8/2026
The second cohort of the Under Armour x Luminary Women’s Leadership Program at Maryland has been announced. Twenty-two female student-athletes from 11 sports make up the 2026-27 cohort, which begins the program’s second year after its establishment in September 2025.
Working with Under Armour and Luminary — a group focused on empowering women and allies through professional development, education and networking — Maryland Made’s partnership with the two organizations provided student-athletes with opportunities to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, expand their networks and prepare for professional environments.
“The Under Armour x Luminary Women’s Leadership Program was one of the highlights of my experiences as a Maryland student-athlete,” former member Maya Valmon said. “I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect going in, but I committed to entering the program with complete curiosity and eagerness to embrace each opportunity that came my way. As a result, I was rewarded with invaluable knowledge of self, personal development, and peer mentorship that refined who I am as an athlete and leader. Above all else, I deeply appreciate Cate and Maggie’s lessons on self-worth and the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers through the Cru gatherings.”
Gallery: Women Leadership Program UA Visit
As the 2026-27 school year gets underway, the second cohort will build on an inaugural year that established meaningful relationships, trust, accountability and a sense of belonging among participants.
“Our partnership with Under Armour and Luminary continues to demonstrate what is possible when organizations share a commitment to empowering women,” Senior Deputy Athletic Director Diana Sabau said. “After seeing the impact of the program in its inaugural year, we’re proud to welcome a new cohort of 22 student-athletes who will have the opportunity to develop as leaders, build lasting connections, and prepare for success in their future careers. We look forward to another transformative year for our participants.”
This year, members of the 2026-27 cohort will participate in in-person development workshops to build community, virtual leadership development workshops, a peer-coaching journey through Luminary Cru, a one-year digital Luminary membership, an in-person experience and celebration at Under Armour headquarters, exposure to career pathways within a global sports brand and other networking and professional opportunities.
"We are incredibly excited to enter the second year of the Under Armour x Luminary Women’s Leadership Program and expand the opportunity to new female student-athletes,” Maryland Made’s Resa Lovelace said. “Their excitement speaks to the impact of this experience and the value of connecting them with two incredible partners committed to developing the next generation of women leaders. Through this program, our student-athletes are not only strengthening their leadership and career readiness, but also expanding their networks, increasing their exposure, and building relationships that can impact their career journeys well beyond Maryland."
The Women’s Leadership Program is made possible through a three-way partnership between Maryland Athletics, Luminary and Under Armour. Luminary’s professional education and networking platform was founded by UMD alum Cate Luzio, while the Terps’ longstanding relationship with Under Armour continues to strengthen through the program.
Entering our second year of this partnership, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built alongside Under Armour and the University of Maryland, and even more excited about where we can take it next. These women are already extraordinary athletes; our goal is to help them recognize the power of everything they’re building beyond their sport - their leadership, their networks, their personal brands, and their ability to navigate what comes next. As a Maryland alum, it’s especially meaningful to welcome this newest group of women into the program and give them access to the tools, relationships, and community that can support them long after they leave the field, court, track, etc.Luminary Founder and CEO Cate Luzio
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring this program back for a second year,” Under Armour’s Kelly Eagan said. “Together, Under Armour, Luminary, and Maryland Athletics are creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes across each women’s team to grow through professional development, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities. The success of last year’s program reinforced the impact of investing in these moments off the field, and we’re proud to continue helping them connect the skills they’re building through sport with future opportunities for both personal and professional success.”
The 22 members of the 2026-27 Under Armour x Luminary Women’s Leadership Program cohort are ready for an unforgettable year of growth, connection and professional development as the new school year begins.
