Shayna's Story

Shayna Slade was born with a fiery passion for sports that coursed through her veins and blazed brighter than the Southern California sun. From the moment she took her first steps, she was dribbling a ball on the sidelines of her siblings' soccer games. Her competitive sports journey began at the tender age of 6 when she became the youngest gymnast ever invited to join her gym's team. Despite her youth, Shayna trained and conditioned alongside girls twice her age, often juggling multiple sports in a single day, participating in both club softball and soccer.

Her sports career, marked by both exhaustion and exhilaration, took Shayna and her family on adventures across the country. She cherished the early mornings, waking up at the crack of dawn for soccer tournaments before hurriedly changing into her softball uniform in the back of her family's Chevy Suburban, all while her father drove them up and down the scenic California coast. Amidst the chaos, she found her true calling and purpose.

Shayna's dedication shone not only on the field but also in her unwavering commitment to providing equal opportunities for others. She founded the Youth Umpire Program in her softball league, an initiative that still thrives today. Moreover, during this period, Shayna fearlessly led the charge against a Title IX violation involving the Army Corps of Engineers and Encino Franklin Fields, fighting for justice and fairness. (See here for more info)

Her competitive spirit carried her through college, where she walked onto the prestigious Oregon Ducks softball team. Yet, after years of intense hustle and determination, Shayna came to the realization that it was time to retire her cleats and redirect her focus towards helping others achieve their dreams. With newfound free time, she volunteered with the Women in Flight Club at the University of Oregon, dedicating herself to raising awareness and financial support for all women's athletic programs at Oregon.

Shayna's athletic journey also afforded her the opportunity to spread her wings to the revered grounds of Wimbledon. As part of the University of Oregon Study Abroad Program in London, she immersed herself in the world of Wimbledon Tennis, delving into the intricate balance between tradition and innovation that shaped the Championships' business model. This experience further fueled her love for sports and solidified her passion for making a meaningful impact in the athletic community.

TITLE XI

The plaintiff in a successful federal civil rights lawsuit against the US government, Shayna passionately championed gender equality in sports by aiding a softball league in their legal fight against gender discrimination. Through collaboration with legal professionals and dedicated team members, they shed light on the unequal access to public sports fields for girls, engaging with local authorities like Congressman Brad Sherman and the Los Angeles City Council District. Her mission involved educating the community about equal opportunities in sports and advocating for fairness, inclusivity, and the challenges girls face due to discrimination. Shayna's efforts even garnered recognition in a local newspaper interview and a presentation to over 200 attendees at a civic project school fair.

SOFTBALL

Shayna's extensive competition history in softball from June 2013 to 2020 reflects her dedication and leadership within the sport. During her time at the University of Oregon, she proudly represented NCAA Div. I Women's Softball. Prior to that, she achieved remarkable success at the high school level, contributing to their CIF Champions title in Div. 5 for Southern California at Louisville High School. Her exceptional performance on the field earned her recognition as Player of the Year with Honorable Mention and a two-time First Team All-Conference selection. As the Team Captain for the Louisville Royals in Varsity Softball, Shayna displayed strong leadership qualities. Furthermore, their victory as Western U.S Jr. Olympics Champions in Encino-Sherman Oaks, ASA Softball, underscores her ability to excel in high-pressure competitive environments.

See below for softball media.

UNIVERSITY of OREGON
WOMEN IN FLIGHT CLUB

Women In Flight is on a mission to elevate Oregon women's athletic programs by generating awareness and financial support. Through the funds it raises, Women In Flight is dedicated to enhancing the overall experience of female student-athletes. By emphasizing sustainable support, lifelong skill development, and fostering a community around women's athletics, the program aspires to empower female student-athletes for success both in sports and life. This club was right in line with Shayna's passions. She helped brainstorm campaign ideas throughout the school year and was heavily involved in marketing female sporting events at UO. The Women in flight club only furthered Shayna's passion for advocating and fighting for female athletes as well as her passion for sports as a whole.