Hitting the Ground Running for Women’s Athletics

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Athletic Department’s Claussen-Leahy Maverick Run is returning to its origin - supporting women’s athletics.

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, thousands of runners will join together to support Maverick HERoes, a first-of-its-kind philanthropic initiative focused on enhancing support for UNO women’s athletics.

About the Claussen-Leahy Maverick Run

The Claussen-Leahy Maverick Run gets its namesake in part from women’s athletics legend Connie Claussen. Claussen, once dubbed the "Queen of Omaha Athletics,” is a trailblazer for women’s athletics, especially softball. Claussen started the Women’s College World Series, which was hosted by Omaha for its first six years. Claussen’s accolades include: inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, served on several NCAA national committees, managed the 1979 USA Women’s Softball team that won the Pan American Games and more.

Happy Birthday, Connie!

In an almost cinematic full-circle moment, Claussen will turn 85 on the day of the run that she started in the year that it returns to its original purpose. Claussen started the run as a women’s walk to raise support for women’s athletic programs at the university.

Women's Athletics on the Rise

The Maverick HERoes intiative and the Maverick Run’s renewed focus come at a time when women’s athletics are gaining unprecedented national support and attention. At the same time, the Omaha Mavericks’ women’s sport programs are experiencing historic support and competitive success.

The funds from this initiative will go to scholarship support, enhanced programming, holistic development and leadership development. These areas contribute to the whole-person support and development of female student-athletes, who are preparing to be the community and world’s next female leaders.

Register to Participate

Sign up to run or walk in this year's event on April 20, 2024.