DENVER – The No. 17-ranked University of Denver women's gymnastics team will host its annual "My Ribbon, My Reason" meet during its competition against Iowa State on Sunday, February 1.
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.
2026 DENVER GYMNASTICS 'MY REASON, MY RIBBON' CAUSES
Alzheimer's Awareness – Purple Ribbon
- Shyla Bhatia: "This is a very serious illness, and there are so many cases each year; but I really think it needs more attention, and I am rooting for everyone and their families to help each other through it."
- Sevana Kasparian: "I chose to support Alzheimer's awareness because it reminds me how important memory, love and connection really are. Watching someone lose parts of who they are is heartbreaking, but it also shows the power of patience and care. I want to honor the families who carry the weight every day and the moments that still shine through, even the memories fade."
- Partner Organizations: Alzheimer's Association (Colorado Chapter)
Blood Donation – Red Ribbon
- Megan Aamold: "I am supporting blood donation because when I gave blood for the first time this year, it really opened my eyes to how something so small can make such a huge impact. Donating blood takes so little from you, but it can truly save someone's life. Choosing to show up and help others can do so much good for the world!"
- Kaitlynd Kastl: "My red ribbon symbolizes the lifesaving impact of blood donation and the reminder that a simple act of giving can make the difference between despair and hope for someone in crisis."
- Partner Organizations: Children's Hospital Colorado – Blood Donation Center
Breast Cancer Awareness – Pink Ribbon
- Kaitlynd Kastl: "My pink ribbon represents the courage of everyone affected by breast cancer and the importance of continuing to push for research, early detection and support for families navigating the disease."
- Partner Organizations: Susan G. Komen Foundation
General Cancer Awareness/Cancer Survivors – Light Purple Ribbon
- Shyla Bhatia: "A lot of my family members have survived it, some still have it. It's rough, it's hard, and I'm hoping to help these people realize they are seen."
- Cecilia Cooley: "I am choosing cancer survivors as one of my causes because my mom and several loved ones have faced cancer with courage and strength. Their journeys showed me the importance of hope, early detection and support systems for those fighting this disease."
- Ashley Gallen: "I chose to support cancer survivors because their courage and determination are truly inspiring. I want to honor those who have fought and continue to fight, especially one of my old coaches Haley, who truly embodies strength and joy."
- Partner Organizations: University of Colorado Cancer Center | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Ray of Hope Colorado | Colorado Gynecological Cancer Alliance
Childhood Cancer Awareness – Gold Ribbon
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness – Purple Ribbon
- Shyla Bhatia: "I know people who struggle with this. It's serious, and I think it needs more attention. I'm really hoping to help raise awareness for it! I think we need more recognition, and I think we need to let these people know that we care for them."
Domestic Violence Awareness – Dark Purple Ribbon
- Mila Brusch: "We should be more aware of domestic violence because it often happens behind closed doors, affecting the victim's physical and emotional wellbeing in ways that aren't always visible. Greater awareness helps break the silence, support survivors, and prevent future abuse through education will make a difference."
- Partner Organizations: Safe House Denver | Project Safeguard
Education Awareness – Blue Ribbon
- Cecilia Cooley: "My second cause is educational access for women. I believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to shape her future. Education empowers women to lead, uplift their communities and break cycles of poverty and inequality."
- Partner Organizations: Reach Out and Read | Youth for a Change
Equity & Inclusion – Orange Ribbon
- Mila Brusch: "Empowering the voices of marginalized groups (racially, sexually and socioeconomic) is necessary to make our world a more equitable place. By listening, understanding and deliberately advocating for change, we can use our privilege to make a difference."
- Partner Organizations: DU Office of Civil Rights & Equal Opportunity
Foster Care Awareness – Dark Blue Ribbon
- Ashley Gallen: "I chose to support foster care because every child matters and deserves a safe, loving and supportive home. I want to bring attention to the importance of giving those kids hope and opportunities for a better future."
- 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 back in 2019. I feel passionately about learning, understanding and advocating for heart disease and hope to spread awareness to a cause that impacts so many."
LGBTQIA+ Pride – Rainbow Ribbon
- Megan Aamold: "I am representing LGBTQ+ pride because everyone deserves the right to feel safe, accepted and free to be themselves. The world should be filled with love and authenticity, and I believe no one should ever have to hide who they are or who they love."
- Sophia Hampp: "The right to love one another is an undeniable right that should be unquestionably honored by everyone."
- Terra Rutter: "I am supporting this cause because how you identify and who you love should have no barriers. I think that it is incredibly important to always make sure everyone feels safe, respected and accepted for who they are!"
- Partner Organizations: DU QSA
Mental Health Awareness – Lime Green Ribbon
- Mila Brusch: "Mental health often goes unnoticed in the hustle of our everyday lives. It's important to educate and understand the warning signs of people struggling, and together we can empower others to reach out for help, you could save a life."
- Amanda Hargraves: "I chose mental health awareness because as an athlete who struggles with this, I think it's important to be open about it to help raise awareness for this cause. I hope to spark compassion and encourage others to join the fight for healing and hope."
- Addie Hewitt: "As a gymnast who has faced these challenges, I believe it's important to speak up so others know they're not alone. By sharing my ribbon and my reason, I hope to raise awareness, spark compassion and encourage others to stand with us in the fight for healing, understanding and hope."
- Partner Organizations: Thrive@DU | The Second Wind Fund | Mental Health Colorado | The Hidden Opponent
Parkinson's – Gray Ribbon
Reproductive Healthcare Justice – Dark Green Ribbon
- Sophia Hampp: "Bodily autonomy is foundational to the control we have over ourselves and is not something that should be debated."
- Terra Rutter: "No matter who you are, I strongly believe that every single person should have control over the medical decisions they make for their body. Having access to reproductive healthcare is a basic human right, and everyone deserves to be able to make these decisions without stigma and barriers preventing it."
- Partner Organizations: Cobalt Advocates
Suicide Prevention – Teal Ribbon
- Terra Rutter: "I chose this cause because I wanted to honor my uncle and show support for anyone fighting the difficult battle. It is important to me to raise awareness that asking for help is a sign of strength and that you are never alone."
- Abby Steeley: "I chose suicide prevention for My Ribbon, My Reason because I've seen how deeply it can affect people and their loved ones. It's something many face quietly, and it deserves more understanding and support. I want to help remind others that awareness and compassion can truly save lives."
- Partner Organizations: Thrive@DU | The Second Wind Fund | Mental Health Colorado | The Hidden Opponent
Additional Partner Organizations:
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 2026 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.
