Aug. 23, 2010

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) -

Back-to-School Female Student-Athlete Retreat Photo Gallery

The UNLV Athletics Department hosted its inaugural "Back-to-School Female Student-Athlete Retreat" on Sunday, Aug. 22. Over 200 female student-athletes and coaches from basketball, cheer and dance, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field and volleyball participated in the event to increase interaction among women's sports teams at UNLV while also reaching out to the local community.

Student-athletes and coaches reported to Peter Johann Memorial Soccer Field armed with school supplies to benefit Paradise Professional Development School. More than 300 items were collected and will be delivered before the Clark County School District's first day of classes on Aug. 30. In addition to the school supply drive, student-athletes participated in various team-building and leadership activities conducted by UNLV coaches in a competitive, interactive and fun environment.

"Sunday night's gathering of UNLV female student-athletes was fantastic and a great start to the new school year," said UNLV Athletics Director Jim Livengood. "Our coaches and staff are to be congratulated on a great new tradition at UNLV. I really think everyone in attendance had a better sense of what it means to be a Rebel."

"UNLV female student-athletes personally donated all these school supplies, in partnership with Paradise School and CCSD, and for this I am extremely proud," said Lisa Kelleher, UNLV Associate Athletics Director. "Their efforts were intended to help these elementary students have the resources necessary to reach their highest potential."

The women's soccer home opener is on Friday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. against Albany at Peter Johann Memorial Field. The volleyball team's home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. against Eastern Kentucky at Cox Pavilion. For information on tickets to all UNLV athletic events, log on to www.unlvtickets.com.