DENVER – The No. 16-ranked University of Denver women's gymnastics team will host its now-annual "My Ribbon, My Reason" meet during its competition against West Virginia on Sunday, January 26.
During the competition, Denver gymnasts will wear colored hair ribbons that represent causes that each student-athlete has identified as important to them. DU has partnered with campus and local organizations to help raise awareness for the causes that the Denver gymnasts have selected. Some organizations will be in attendance on Sunday while others will supply materials for fans to learn more about the causes and how to get involved.
Fans are encouraged to join the team in celebrating their own causes or may pick up colored streamers to match the gymnasts' ribbons on the concourse before the meet to show their support as well.
2025 DENVER GYMNASTICS 'MY REASON, MY RIBBON' CAUSES
ADHD Awareness – Bright Orange Ribbon
- Madison Ulrich: "I have dealt with ADHD since I was a kid. I was lucky to get special treatment for it when I was very young that helped tremendously in the long run. I would like to raise awareness for other children to be able to get effective help as I did so that ADHD has less power over their lives as they grow up."
- Partner Organization: CHADD Denver Metro
Alzheimer's Awareness – Purple Ribbon
- Momoko Iwai: "Recently, my grandpa was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which has given me a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by families and friends supporting a loved one through this condition."
- Partner Organizations: Alzheimer's Association | Dementia Society
General Cancer Awareness/Cancer Survivors – Light Purple Ribbon
- Rosie Casali: "I chose to honor lung cancer (white ribbon) for my grandma, gallbladder cancer (blue/yellow ribbons) for my papa and bladder cancer (green ribbon) for my beautiful aunt Lenore. I hope to make all of them proud today and every day, and they hold a special place in my heart always."
- Cecilia Cooley: "This cause is near and dear to my heart as many of my family members have been affected by different types of cancer, many of whom have unfortunately not survived. With this said, some of my closest family members, including my mom, have battled and survived cancer, and I want to use this meet as an opportunity to show my support for cancer survivors like my mom, who fought so hard to be where they are today."
- Madison Ulrich: "I am representing cancer in honor of my grandpa who is currently fighting it. He has been so resilient in his journey with cancer, and his long life has been an inspiration to me and my family."
- Partner Organizations: Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation | Colorado Cancer Coalition | CU Cancer Center
Childhood Cancer Awareness – Gold Ribbon
Climate Change Awareness – Dark Green Ribbon
Domestic Violence Awareness – Dark Purple Ribbon
- Mia Hebinck: "Domestic violence, often called the silent epidemic, is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and families across all communities, often hidden behind closed doors and societal stigma. Supporting domestic violence awareness is crucial because it empowers survivors, educates communities about the warning signs and impacts of abuse, and helps break the cycle of violence through prevention, intervention and advocacy. I stand with survivors."
- Partner Organizations: Safe House Denver | Project Safeguard
Education Awareness – Blue Ribbon
- Mila Brusch: "Education is the building block for success. Ensuring access to quality education is necessary for the next generation to reach their full potential. By addressing systemic disparities, we can work to create a more just society where all individuals are given the opportunity to reach their highest potential, regardless of circumstance."
- Partner Organizations: Colorado Youth for Change | Reach Out and Read | Fisher Early Learning Center
Equity & Inclusion – Orange Ribbon
- Momoko Iwai: "I chose equity and inclusion because my cultural identity has greatly shaped who I am today, and I want to contribute to an equitable world where everyone can be seen regardless of identity and background. By raising awareness, I hope to encourage understanding and support for both."
- Partner Organizations: DU Cultural Center | The Equity Project | Bridge to Justice
Foster Care Awareness – Dark Blue Ribbon
- Abbie Thompson: "I believe that every kid's life matters, no matter the stage of development. I want to help ensure that kids have the opportunity to grow up in a family setting where they feel loved, safe and cared for."
- Partner Organizations: The Foster Source | Hope and Home
Heart Disease Awareness – Red Ribbon
- Kiley Rorich: "I chose heart disease in honor of my mom, who had an aortic dissection. I feel passionately about learning, understanding and advocating for heart disease and hope to spread awareness to a cause that impacts so many."
- Partner Organizations: South Denver Heart Center Foundation | 2-Hearts
Human Trafficking Awareness – Lighter Blue Ribbon
Leukemia Awareness – Orange Ribbon
- Ava Mabanta and Bella Mabanta: "We wear this ribbon to honor our aunt's strength, love and support, which she carried on her back every day in her fight against leukemia. This is our way of continuing her legacy and showing the world the impact of her incredible spirit!"
- Partner Organization: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
LGBTQIA+ Pride – Rainbow Ribbon
Mental Health Awareness – Lime Green Ribbon
- Mila Brusch: "Mental health often gets overlooked in the hustle of our daily lives. It is crucial to understand and recognize the importance of prioritizing our mental health in order to understand ourselves and live with an increased sense of self-worth and enhanced productivity."
- Ashley Gallen: "I choose to wear green for mental health because it is often misunderstood or not taken seriously. Mental health is sometimes hard to see, meaning many suffer in silence and solidarity, but you are not alone. The world is a better place with you in it."
- Amanda Hargraves: "As an athlete that struggles with this, I think it is important to open up about it to help raise awareness and to help others. By raising awareness for these causes, I hope to spark compassion and encourage others to join the fight for healing and hope."
- Partner Organizations: Mental Health Colorado | National Alliance on Mental Illness CO | The Hidden Opponent | Thrive@DU | Second Wind Fund
Organ Donor/Transplant Awareness – Green Ribbon
- Kiley Rorich: "I chose the ribbon for organ donation/transplant for my late aunt. She was an organ donor, and her eyes were donated to a recipient in Egypt. I feel strongly about this cause because it is an opportunity to help others and can be a life changing event for many people."
- Partner Organization: Donor Alliance
Parkinson's – Gray Ribbon
Peace Awareness – White Ribbon
Reproductive Healthcare Justice – Dark Green Ribbon
- Cecilia Cooley: "As a young woman, reproductive healthcare access and justice is something that I care about deeply. I am excited to use my platform to represent this cause."
- Mia Hebinck: "As humans, we have a fundamental right to healthcare, and I believe each one of us has a right to make decisions about our own body, health and future. I support reproductive justice because it promotes equity by addressing systemic barriers, protecting access to care and advocating for the dignity and autonomy of all individuals regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status."
- Sophia Hampp: "I support reproductive rights because I believe in a world where we should be able to have full control of ourselves and our lives."
- Partner Organizations: Caring for Colorado | The Women's Foundation of Colorado
Suicide Prevention – Teal Ribbon
The University of Denver allows participating student-athletes to select and compete on behalf of non-profit causes of their choosing. This opportunity reflects the University's commitment to fostering free expression and pluralism. The cause selection reflects the preferences and values of each individual student-athlete and does not constitute an endorsement or representation of the views, positions, or policies of the gymnastics program or the University of Denver.
TICKETS:
Tickets for the 2025 University of Denver gymnastics season are now on sale and can be
purchased online, by calling 303-871-4625 or by visiting the Ritchie Center Box Office.
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