UC Merced draws big crowd for first ‘Together We Will’ sports conference
Nearly 150 girls from about 30 Central Valley high schools attended UC Merced’s first “Together We Will” conference on Sunday. The event is designed to teach high school female athletes about leadership, nutrition, mental health and goal-setting.
The event brought together speakers, mentors and health experts to help participants build skills for success in competition and life, according to UC Merced’s Jody Murray.
Danielle Slaton, a former professional soccer player and co-founder of Bay FC, a franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League, was the keynote speaker.
Victoria Garrick Browne, a mental health advocate and former Division I volleyball player, presented information about staying in the moment.
“Be where your feet are,” Browne said told the crowd. “Many times, our feet are here while our head is thinking about tomorrow.”
Conference co-chair Lesley Slaton Brown, a former chief diversity officer for the NBA, grew up in Merced and played basketball through college. She talked about what she learned from sports.
“Sports helped shape who I am today,” Brown said. “It taught me resilience, leadership and heart.”
UC Merced plans to hold the free event again next year.
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This story was originally published March 10, 2026 at 1:58 PM.
