Michigan Athletics Launches "My HERo" Series in Celebration of Women's History Month
3/6/2026 2:07:00 PM | General, Women's Basketball, Women's Gymnastics, Women's Lacrosse, Rowing
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- In celebration of Women's History Month, Michigan Athletics will debut "My HERo," presented by Allstate, a three-part storytelling series that highlights the powerful relationships between current female student-athletes and the women who helped shape their journeys.
Premiering across Michigan Athletics digital platforms in March, the series centers on gratitude, resilience and legacy -- showcasing the mothers and mentors whose influence extends far beyond competition.
The first episode will feature rowing student-athlete Gretel Ham and her mother, Jeannette Stawski, a member of Michigan's inaugural rowing team in 1996-97. Nearly three decades later, Gretel competes under the same head coach who once guided her mom. Their story reflects a full-circle family legacy, the work ethic required to compete at the Division I level and the pride of representing the block M across generations.
Episode two highlights women's gymnastics standout Katelyn Kelly and her mother, Sara Delikat. A cancer survivor and former gymnast, Delikat modeled perseverance and strength for Katelyn through life's most difficult moments. Their episode explores resilience, the bond forged through adversity and the responsibility of serving as role models for young girls.
The series concludes with women's lacrosse student-athlete Emma Arico and her mother, Kim Barnes Arico, J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Women's Basketball Head Coach. While Emma carved her own path in lacrosse, her mother built one of the nation's premier women's basketball programs. Together, they reflect on balancing family and sport, leadership, and legacy — all while proudly wearing the block M.
"My HERo" celebrates the women who paved the way and the next generation carrying that legacy forward. The series is set to premiere the week of March 9 across Michigan Athletics digital channels and MGoBlue.com.
