USF Golfer Leo Medeiros Shares Emotional Testimony at Stampede for Women Luncheon

TAMPA — Her job interview-type attire included gray slacks and jacket, and a neatly-pressed white shirt. USF women’s golfer Leo Medeiros said her school provides her the resources to purchase such wardrobe necessities.

A Story of Opportunity and Dreams

But the Portugal native got emotional when telling her audience of roughly 400 how the Bulls also have bedecked her with opportunity, hope and fulfilled dreams. A golfer since she was 6, Medeiros knew by age 12 she wanted to play the sport at a U.S. college.

Today, she’s a senior business management major and owner of USF’s best 18-round average (72.9) through five events this season.

Stampede for Women Initiative

“Coming to USF has truly changed my life — I’m sorry, now I’ll start crying,” Medeiros said at Wednesday’s fourth annual Stampede for Women luncheon held at the sprawling, new football indoor practice facility. “But I couldn’t be at a better place or a better school. I am super passionate about this place, and your support is one of the reasons why these have been the best 3 ½ years of my life.”

Supporting Women in Sports

The luncheon, which coincides annually with National Girls and Women in Sports Day, is a cornerstone of the school’s Stampede for Women initiative. Launched four years ago, it helps fund scholarships, facilities enhancements, foreign tours, mentorship programs and career development opportunities for USF’s women student-athletes.

Raising Funds for Women’s Athletics

By the end of Wednesday’s event, a large screen on the stage indicated more than $26,000 had been raised for the initiative — most of any Stampede for Women luncheon.

“I remember ($10,000) the first year, I think last year was something like 15 or 16 (thousand),” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said. “So it’s grown a lot this year, just on the luncheon itself, and that leads to whatever is raised throughout the year to help us grow.”

Empowering Female Athletes

Attendees heard from several former and current Bulls student-athletes and coaches, demonstrating the impact of sports on women’s lives.

Future Expansion of Women’s Sports

The Bulls women’s lacrosse team debuts Friday night at home; beach volleyball is on deck for spring 2026, showcasing the university’s commitment to expanding women’s athletics.

Looking Ahead: NCAA House Settlement

“We don’t know exactly what will happen in July and how the NCAA House settlement goes through. If the settlement (which opens the door to revenue sharing) goes through, it provides the opportunity to add more scholarships, especially for women student-athletes,” explained USF Athletic Director Michael Kelly.

Conclusion

The Stampede for Women luncheon at USF celebrates the achievements and contributions of female athletes, highlighting the importance of support and opportunities in women’s sports.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Stampede for Women initiative at USF?

The initiative aims to fund scholarships, facilities enhancements, foreign tours, mentorship programs, and career development opportunities for USF’s women student-athletes.

How is USF expanding its women’s sports programs?

USF is adding sports such as women’s lacrosse and beach volleyball to provide more opportunities for female athletes and showcase the university’s commitment to gender equity in athletics.

What impact does the NCAA House settlement have on women’s sports at USF?

The settlement may lead to additional scholarships for women student-athletes at USF, enabling the university to further invest in the success and development of its female athletes.