St. Bonaventure University

The 2025 Western New York Girls in Sports event, held on Saturday, October 4, at St. Bonaventure University, welcomed more than 75 girls from Cattaraugus and Allegany counties for a day of learning, teamwork, and fun.

Organized by the United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties (UWCAC) and St. Bonaventure University (SBU), the event encourages young girls to explore sports, develop new skills, and gain confidence both on and off the field.

Throughout the day, participants rotated through a variety of sports activities, including basketball, lacrosse, and soccer, guided by SBU NCAA Division I student-athletes. Members of the university’s student Emergency Medical Response Team were also on hand to assist and ensure a safe, positive experience for everyone.

The success of this year’s event was made possible by the dedication and spirit of SBU student-athletes, volunteers, and event partners, especially Dr. Paula Scraba, OSF, SBU associate professor of physical education.

“We are incredibly proud to be part of an initiative that empowers young girls to discover their strengths and see what they’re capable of,” said Susan McAuley, UWCAC executive director. “Events like these align perfectly with our mission to help our neighbors thrive by investing in opportunities for our youth to grow, connect, and build confidence.”

In addition to encouraging physical fitness, the Girls in Sports program aims to expand access and create opportunities for girls to get involved in athletics at all levels, from local recreation programs to high school and collegiate teams.

The United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. They tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions, and health resources.

For more information on United Way programs or to give, visit www.uwcac.org.