General | April 29, 2026

PHILADELPHIA – The Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Pennsylvania has announced the launch of a Women's Health Initiative, a comprehensive new program dedicated to proactively supporting the health, performance, and long-term well-being of its female student-athletes. Made possible through the generous support of Jane W'87 and David Ott W'85, the initiative establishes a coordinated, evidence-based approach to identifying and addressing key health factors that can impact both athletic performance and overall wellness.

"We are thrilled to launch this Women's Health Initiative as a meaningful step forward in how we support our female student-athletes," said Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation. "For too long, this population has been under-resourced and underserved, and this initiative allows us to build the infrastructure needed to better support their health, performance, and overall well-being. By taking a proactive, evidence-based approach to screening, care, and supplementation, we are positioning our student-athletes to perform at their best, both in competition and throughout their lives. We are deeply grateful to Jane and David Ott for their vision and generous support in making this initiative possible."

"Penn's Women's Health Initiative reflects exactly the kind of forward-thinking, evidence-based approach needed to better support female athletes," Jane and David Ott said. "Through our work with the Women's Health, Sports and Performance Institute, we have seen how important it is to close longstanding gaps in care, education, and early intervention. We are grateful for Penn Athletics' leadership in establishing this innovative program and proud to support an initiative that will help female student-athletes thrive both at Penn and throughout their lives."

 

At the core of the initiative is a focus on early detection and prevention. Female student-athletes have access to targeted health screenings and physician-directed laboratory testing designed to identify nutrient deficiencies and risk factors associated with bone stress injuries and low energy availability. When deficiencies such as low iron or vitamin D are identified, athletes receive individualized, evidence-based supplementation and follow-up care to correct those issues safely and effectively.

The program is delivered through a collaborative care model that brings together athletic trainers, team physicians, mental health clinicians and sports dietitians to ensure each athlete receives personalized and closely monitored support. Structured testing, clear treatment and supplementation protocols, and ongoing monitoring allow Penn Athletics to take a proactive, data-driven approach rather than reacting only after injuries or performance declines occur.

A key component of the initiative is the creation of a dedicated Women's Health Athletic Trainer position, which will be filled by Dr. Cory McMillen, to improve care practices and ideally transform the state of female student-athlete health. She serves as the central coordinator of the program, working across teams and disciplines to align care with current best practices and institutional standards. The role provides female student-athletes with a consistent, knowledgeable resource for questions and concerns related specifically to women's health. McMillen will also be the entry point for female student-athletes, coaches of women's programs, and student-facing staff members when a question or concern arises related to female athlete health and performance.

"Thank you to Jane and David Ott for their passion and commitment to women's health," McMillen said. "I am honored to step into this role and help lead an initiative that prioritizes proactive, evidence-based care, while empowering our female student-athletes to perform at their best and support their health far beyond their time at Penn."

Education is another pillar of the Women's Health Initiative. Through team sessions, small group discussions, and individualized conversations, the Women's Health Athletic Trainer delivers programming for student-athletes, coaches, and staff on topics including fueling for performance and recovery, bone health, menstrual health, iron and vitamin D awareness, and early warning signs of low energy availability. This shared educational foundation helps create a culture that prioritizes proactive care, informed decision-making, and open communication.

By systematically identifying athletes at higher risk for bone stress injuries, relative energy deficiency, and nutrition-related concerns, the initiative aims to reduce preventable injuries and keep athletes competing at their highest level. Beyond performance, the program emphasizes long-term health, equipping student-athletes with knowledge and habits that extend well beyond their competitive careers.

The Women's Health Initiative represents a significant investment in female student-athletes and underscores Penn Athletics' commitment to innovative, individualized care. Through coordinated clinical support, targeted screening, and comprehensive education, the program empowers athletes to stay healthy, perform optimally, and thrive both on the field and in their lives after Penn.