Olympic gold medalist and soccer champion Abby Wambach to speak at Mason Reads

Mariam Aburdeineh — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 11:00:38 +0000

Olympic gold medalist and soccer champion Abby Wambach to speak at Mason Reads Mariam Aburdeineh Thu, 09/24/2020 - 07:00

Abby Wambach. Photo by MAKERS.

World-renowned soccer player, two-time Olympic gold medalist and author Abby Wambach will virtually chat with ��AV President Gregory Washington and the campus community for this year’s Mason Reads program on Monday, Sept. 28, at 1 p.m.

The virtual event in partnership with Fall for the Book will be moderated by President Washington and explore the themes of Wambach’s 2019 book, “Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power, and Change the Game.”

“We really hope that our students and the Mason community as a whole will be able to learn more about leadership, learn more about women’s leadership, in particular, and think about how these ideas can apply to their own lives,” said Emilie Dubert, director of Mason’s Contemporary Student Services.

Through Mason Reads, all incoming freshmen received a virtual copy of “Wolfpack” and are encouraged to attend the virtual discussion and Q&A. Throughout the year, the book will also be integrated into programs, events, and classroom activities.

Having the freshman class read the book together helps create a sense of community and shared experience, Dubert said.

The books selected by Mason Reads also reflect the ideals of the Mason graduate.

“This book fit right into that mold of creating students who are prepared to act,” Dubert said. “The idea of ‘Wolfpack’ is that women in particular can really work together, support and push one another and go out of their comfort zone to move forward together; and the ‘pack’ strengthens communities—men and women—as a whole.”

Wambach’s book is based on her 2018 commencement speech at Barnard College and is accessible for students to read in both its length and content, Dubert said.

“It’s not just a book for women, but it really is a book that people can take a lot from no matter what your gender,” Dubert said. “I hope that [Mason Reads attendees] would gain the courage and confidence to step up and lead.”

Follow this link to register for Mason Reads with Abby Wambach.